Did you know the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) restricts transactions with embargoed and sanctioned countries, including certain academic collaborations and exchange of research materials and equipment?
The U.S. government regulates interactions with persons and organizations in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. The government has also imposed new, evolving economic sanctions on Russia and Belarus.
Travel to these areas, as well as research-related activity and academic collaborations (whether funded or unfunded), is tightly regulated and generally requires an OFAC export license.
International collaboration is a very important part of research in universities.
Because these OFAC regulations are complex and violations may result in severe financial penalties, Case Western Reserve University community members must consult with the CWRU Compliance Office before engaging in the following activities if the activities involve Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Russia, Belarus, or the Crimea, Donetsk, or Luhansk regions of Ukraine:
- Traveling on behalf of Case Western Reserve University (regardless of nationality or passport used);
- Participating in academic collaborations;
- Providing a service;
- Engaging with any persons or entities within those countries;
- Attending a conference in a restricted country (in person or online); and/or
- Exchanging research materials, data, or equipment.
Email exportcontrol@case.edu if you need more information or have specific questions. Or, visit the University Compliance Program website for more information.