International Shipping Information
University activities that involve the transfer of project information, equipment, materials, or technology out of the U.S. by whatever means of shipment may be subject to export controls and may require export license(s) depending on the item, destination, recipient, and end-use/user.
Before shipping internationally, please complete the shipment request form or contact the Export Control and International Compliance (ECIC) Office at [email protected] for assistance in determining whether an export license is required or if you qualify for an export license exception. In addition, all international exports should be reviewed prior to shipment to ensure they are not being exported to a restricted entity or individual. Please make restricted party screening requests to the ECIC at [email protected].
Our goal is to help ensure that OSU community does not experience delays, seizure of goods, or inadvertent violation of federal export laws. Failure to obtain an export license when required could result in fines up to $1million per violation and up to 20 years of prison time for criminal convictions, and false export declaration fines are $10,000. Additionally, it is important to note that customs requirements in other countries vary. Be sure to review the specific requirements for shipping for your destination, as customs fines vary by country or could result in seizure or detention of goods.
Recordkeeping
All shipping records including commercial invoice, airway bill, EEI filings, and associated communications are required to be maintained for a period of 5 years from the date of the export. Request a copy of relevant documents from your shipper or print them when using an online application. Your shipper (such as FedEx) will not keep copies of shipping records for you.
If an export license is required, the ECIC will apply for and maintain these records on your behalf.
Additional Requirements
A commercial invoice is required for all exports. You may also see this referred to as a pro forma invoice. Even though you may not be selling the item you are shipping, if it is not a personally owned item, you will need a commercial invoice. A commercial invoice may be automatically generated if you are using FedEx online. If you are not using FedEx's online services, then you will need to create your own commercial invoice and include it in your package and keep a copy in your shipping records.
Information required (all items in the shipment must be declared on the invoice)
- A unique invoice number
- The complete name and address including country of the ship from and ship to party/company these are also known as the Exporter of Record / Shipper and the Importer of Record / Consignee
- A complete and concise description of the goods shipping
- Example, do not indicate “Cells”, you need to indicate what kind of cells”
- Example Wrong: cells; Right: – human liver cells
- The country of origin (manufacture) of the item
- Quantity: Accurate number of each piece shipping
- Weight listed in kilograms
- Value of Product: Unit price and Extended total price
- The appropriate eight-digit subheading from the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.
Automated Export System (AES) Electronic Export Information (EEI) must be filed for a variety of exports. The ECIC can help you determine whether an EEI filing is necessary. The export declaration EEI can be filed through a UC authorized freight forwarder or through the AES online system through the ECIC or Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO).