The following provides a high-level overview of key terms that we may reference in our exports and sanctions compliance guidance, forms and training. In addition, please find links to learn more about the applicable regulations and regulators. Contact [email protected] if you need help with these terms or would like to learn more.
Key Terms
Comprehensively Sanctioned Countries/Regions
Countries or regions designated by the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control as having comprehensive trade sanctions imposed by the United States. These are currently Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and the Crimea, Donetsk (DNR), and Luhansk (LNR) regions of Ukraine.
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
Federal non-classified information the U.S. Government creates or possesses, or that a non-federal entity (such as George Mason University) receives, possesses, or creates for, or on behalf of, the U.S Government, that requires information security controls to safeguard or disseminate. These controls must be compliant with the federal regulations specified in 32 CFR Part 2002 and NIST SP 800-171r1. “Information” as defined by the federal CUI Program may include research data and other project information that a research team receives, possesses, or creates in the performance of a sponsored project.
Deemed Exports
Release or transmission of information subject to export controls to any foreign national in the United States. Such a release of information is considered to be an export to the home country of the foreign national.
Educational Information
Information commonly taught for instruction in courses and associated with general scientific, mathematical, or engineering principles.
Export
An actual shipment, transmission, or release of materials, equipment, software, technology, or information out of the United States or to a foreign person within the United States.
Export Controls
U.S. laws that restrict the transfer of certain goods, technology, services, and information to foreign countries or foreign persons anywhere, even within the United States, for reasons of foreign policy and national security.
Foreign Persons
Persons who are not:
• U.S. citizens,
• U.S. permanent residents, or
• Persons who have been granted asylum in the United States or any other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)
Foreign person can also refer to any corporation, business association, partnership, trust, society or any other entity or group that is not incorporated in the United States or organized to do business in the U.S., as well as international organizations, foreign governments and any agency or subdivision of a foreign government (e.g., diplomatic mission)
Fundamental Research
Research in science, engineering, or mathematics, the results of which ordinarily are published and shared broadly within the research community, and for which the researchers have not accepted restrictions for proprietary or national security reasons. A fundamental research exception/exclusion/exemption is a determination that your research is not export-controlled. When there are restrictions placed on the outcome of the research, or restrictions on methods used during the research, it is not considered fundamental research. Proprietary research, industrial development, design, production, and product utilization, the results of which are restricted, and government funded research that specifically restricts the outcome for national security reasons, are not considered fundamental research.
Publicly Available
Information generally accessible to the public, such as information in libraries, bookstores, open seminars, and published patent information. This information is considered in the public domain.
Technology Control Plan
A document that outlines how controlled information and technology will be protected. It includes requirements for physical security, information security, personnel screening, and outlines the obligations and responsibilities of all parties.
Regulations and Regulators