Overview and quick guide

Overview of export control

As a global university, we are committed to advancing knowledge, supporting innovation, and fostering international collaboration. At the same time, we must comply with UK export control laws, which regulate the transfer of certain goods, technology, software, and knowledge to overseas destinations or to foreign nationals in the UK.

What are export controls?

Export controls are legal restrictions that apply to:

• The export of controlled goods and technology (including specialist equipment, software, or biological materials).
• The transfer of controlled knowledge or information (including technical details shared electronically or in person).
• Certain types of research collaborations, international travel, and teaching activities.

Why export controls matter in higher education

Export controls are designed to:

• Protect UK national security and prevent the spread of sensitive technologies.
• Help meet the UK’s international obligations (e.g., non-proliferation agreements).
• Ensure research and knowledge are not misused for military or other harmful purposes.

Although most university research is openly published and not restricted, some projects—particularly those involving advanced technologies, dual-use items, or sensitive international collaborations—may be subject to export controls.

Key UK regulations

Export controls in the UK are administered by the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU), part of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). Relevant legislation includes:

• Export Control Order 2008
• UK sanctions and trade restrictions (in line with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office).

University commitment

Our university is dedicated to supporting world-class research and global partnerships while ensuring compliance with export control laws. We provide:

• Guidance and advice to researchers and staff.
• Training to raise awareness of responsibilities.
• Support in identifying when licences may be required.

If you are planning international research, collaboration, or travel that may involve controlled goods or technology, please look through the following web pages, or contact the exportcontrol@sheffield.ac.uk for advice.

What counts as an export?

An export:

• Sending or carrying physical items overseas (e.g. research samples).
• Electronic transfers of software or technology to an overseas recipient.
• Travelling abroad with information stored on laptops/devices or accessing controlled data from the cloud.
• Online/virtual teaching materials accessed from outside the UK.
• Sharing controlled information via phone, email, or video conferencing.

Step by step: is my work controlled?

Step 1: Understand the control lists

Check the UK Strategic Export Control List (on the gov.uk website) and key definitions.

Step 2: Use the Goods Checker

Visit gov.uk, Checker Tools, Goods Checker (on the Department for Business and Trade website). Search with keywords (e.g. drones, UAVs, materials, equipment). Try variations.

Step 3: Interpret results

No results: your work is unlikely to be controlled.

Hits: check thresholds/definitions carefully and record findings.

Step 4: Check exemptions

Controls do not apply if information is already in the public domain.

Step 5: If controlled

Complete the Export Control Enquiry Form (staff login required). A licence will be required regardless of destination country.

Reminder

If in doubt, always contact the University Export Control team exportcontrol@sheffield.ac.uk for advice before sharing goods, software, or technology overseas.