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Procedures

Note: Trade Compliance Regulations are subject to change. Please visit our website regularly to ensure you are utilizing the most recent procedures and guidance.

Procurement

To purchase goods/services, University departments should use a University-approved purchase order generated from the University’s PantherExpress System.

International Shipments

International shipments of items, technology and software are subject to numerous import and export obligations. Failure to apply for an export authorization or to file correct export documentation and shipping documents can result in personal fines, confiscation, and/or incarceration and may also result in loss of the item/material being shipped. OTC is available to help you comply with the U.S. Federal export regulations.

Export of Biological Agents

Prior to exporting any biological agents, please consult, in the following order: 

  1. The International Traffic in Arms (ITAR) Category XIV List of Toxicological Agents
     
  2. The Export Administration Regulations (EAR) List of pathogens and toxins, sections 1C351-1C352. 
     
  3. If the agent to be exported is listed in one of these lists, please contact the Office of Trade Compliance (OTC) with as much advance notice as possible.

Imports

Certain biological materials are regulated by federal and international departments for importation and interstate transfer. If your lab needs to acquire biologicals for research purposes, there are specific processes you will need to follow.

Visa

The Office of Trade Compliance (OTC) works with the Office of International Services to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Regulations by performing deemed export reviews of Part 6 of the I-129 visa application. OTC has developed an electronic process for these deemed export reviews through an application called MyEC.

Visitor Procedure

The University of Pittsburgh is proud to be an intellectual destination for visiting scientists, scholars, researchers, and employees from industry and other academic institutions. We welcome domestic and international visitors from both the public and private nonprofit sectors who wish to participate in research, educational, and other scholarly activities. Visitor.pitt.edu contains information to assist visitors before their journey to Pittsburgh and during their stay. 

Drones

Procedures for the usage of drones is currently being developed.

Controlled Unclassified Information

The Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) program was established as a uniform policy for federal executive branch agencies to address CUI. The rule affects Federal executive branch agencies that handle CUI and all organizations that handle, possess, use, share, or receive CUI, which applies to the University of Pittsburgh when it accesses or generates CUI.