International Shipping

Export

Any item sent from the United States to a foreign destination is an export.  “Items” include biological materials, chemicals, research materials, software, technology, and information.

Exporting goods across international borders involves adhering to various regulatory requirements and ensuring that the appropriate documentation accompanies the shipment.

Before shipping or sending materials outside the United States, you should fill out the Shipping Assessment Form and submit it to shipping@med.cornell.edu for verification/approval and to determine whether an export license is required.

• The export of controlled items: Information, or software may require approval from the U.S. government in the form of an export license.  An export license permits controlled tangible items or software to be sent outside the U.S. Controlled items may include biological materials, chemicals, sensors and lasers, robotics, imaging equipment, nuclear technology, navigation, avionics and flight control technology, marine technology, and computer/microelectronic technology.

Export Control requirements apply regardless of the external and internal funding sources.

• Destination: Your destination determines what export controls or regulations apply. For assistance or questions, contact the Export Controls team at exportcontrols@med.cornell.edu.

• Recipient: Foreign individuals (even within the US) and entities may be individually subject to sanctions. Before collaborating with a foreign national or entity or sending an item abroad, contact the WCM delegated Export Control and Research Security Officer, Abigail Nixon, at aeo2003@med.cornell.edu to ensure that the recipient of the item is not included on a sanctions list.
• End Use: It is crucial to describe the proposed end use of the item you are shipping, as that may affect whether the item is subject to export controls.

Import

Any item sent to the United States from a foreign destination is an import. Before purchasing and shipping, you should fill out the Shipping Assessment Form and submit it to shipping@med.cornell.edu for verification/approval and to determine whether an import license is required.

• Your shipment may require a Customs Broker to assist with its entry into the United States. We can reach out to our designated contacts to facilitate this process. Be sure to provide as much information as possible, including the documents listed below, to avoid additional delays.

The type of documents required for customs clearance usually depends on the type of goods being shipped. It may also vary depending on the country of origin and the cargo's destination. However, as a thumb rule, there is a set of general documents that most entities need to comply with when importing or exporting goods.