International shipments are ruled and regulated under federal jurisdictions, including EAR, ITAR, and OFAC. This includes transfers by any means (cargo shipment, courier, hand carried, electronic), and apply to all commodities (hardware, laboratory equipment, materials, research samples), as well as technical data (software, blue prints, schematics, manuals, information in any form). Hence, it is essential to consult the Export Control Office (ECO) to help determine whether a license is required for shipping. The ECO may be contacted at exportcontrol@uchicago.edu.
Because a license can take approximately 2 months to obtain, it is critical to address potential export requirements as soon as possible, in order to allow for sufficient processing time. The ECO will facilitate the licensing process, so communicating early will help in getting shipments to where they need be on time.
eShipGlobal, Inc.
International Shipping and eShipGlobal
UChicago has engaged eShipGlobal, Inc. to manage and provide shipping and delivery compliance services for international and domestic shipments. eShipGlobal helps ensure that shipments sent on behalf of UChicago comply with relevant laws and regulations, including export control laws, hazardous material regulations, and U.S. sanctions.
To meet compliance obligations, all who ship on campus should create an eShipGlobal account at: https://enterprise.eshipglobal.com/authuc.
Training on how to use eShip may be found here.
For tips on using eShip for international shipments, click here.
When shipping through eShipGlobal, the shipper will be asked to provide critical details, including an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN). Contact the Export Control Office (ECO) at exportcontrol@ uchicago.edu for help with determining your ECCNs if you do not already know your ECCN. Once a compliance check is completed by the ECO through eShipGlobal, shippers will then be able to use their preferred carrier (i.e. FedEx, UPS, etc.) to complete the shipment.
EU Requirements: The Import Control System 2 (ICS2)
As of March 1, 2023, the European Union (EU) has implemented the Import Control System 2 (ICS2), a large-scale information system aimed at improving safety and security at customs for its citizens. As a result, all goods being shipped into or transiting through the EU, Northern Ireland, Norway and Switzerland by air require additional information:
- A minimum six-digit Harmonized System (HS) code
- This may be found via eShipGlobal’s HS Code Lookup while creating a shipment
- Or, you may search for your HS Code/Schedule B Number here: https://uscensus.prod.3ceonline.com/
- An accurate goods description
- The receiver’s Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number
- You must reach out to the individual recipient in the EU to obtain the EORI number.
- Note: the first 2 characters are the country code followed by a unique set of numbers for the recipient’s organization.
These rules apply to all goods (except documents), regardless of value. Please note that failure to provide the necessary information may result in delays or even rejection of your shipment by customs authorities.
More information may be found here.
EEI Filing Requirements
International shipments may also require submission of an Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing. The EEI is required when the value of the commodity being sent is over $2,500, when an export license is required to export the commodity, or for items that are subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Additionally, an EEI is required for shipments of self-propelled vehicles, whenever exporting "600 series" items (ie. xY6z" format for items on the Commerce Control List that were previously controlled on the United States Munitions List), and for exports under the STA (Strategic Trade Authorization) license exception. And, an EEI is required for any shipments containing rough diamonds, regarless of value (HTS 7102.10, 7102.21 and 7102.31).
Note that an EEI filing is required for shipments going to China, Russia, and Venezuela for:
- All shipments valued at more than $2,500, even if an export license is not required;
- Shipments, regardless of value or content, intended for military end-use; or
- Shipments of items listed on the Commerce Control List (CCL), other than those identified as EAR99.
When shipping through eShipGlobal, the system will identify when an EEI is required. The ECO may also identify the need for an EEI and will contact the shipper directly in some cases. The EEI includes information about the sender, recipient of the item, and information about the item(s) being exported, including an ECCN.
The EEI may be filed directly through the shipper’s carrier of choice by completing an Agent File Form authorizing the carrier to submit the EEI filing. This may be found at:
- FedEx: https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/electronic-export-information.html#export-agentfile
Contact the ECO at exportcontrol@lists.uchicago.edu for assistance with this crucial step. Once the EEI has been filed, the shipper will be given an Internal Transaction Number (ITN), which the ECO must use to complete the review of the shipment in eShipGlobal.
Authorized Customs Broker
International shipments of large, heavy, or high-value items may be shipped via the University of Chicago’s authorized customs broker, American Overseas Transport Ltd (AOT Group), which serves as an alternative to the express carriers. Please note, the UChicago Export Control Office must still be contacted in these instances to review the export and ensure any license requirements. More detailed information about AOT is available here, and as follows:
Procurement Contact:
George Kokinis
gkokinis@uchicago.edu
773-834-5891
AOT Account Representative:
Michelle DeJesus (Exports)
m.dejesus@aotgrp.com
Judy Hopkins (Imports)
j.hopkins@aotgrp.com
Export Compliance Contacts:
For export compliance questions related to international shipping, please contact:
Export Control General Email
exportcontrol@uchicago.edu
Mike Vanderboom
Export Control Officer
University Research Administration
773-834-8601
mvanderboom@uchicago.edu
Dondre Hess
Export Control Officer
704-834-7956
dondrehes@uchicago.edu
Jordan Douglas
Export Control Analyst
773-703-2809
jordandouglas@uchicago.edu
Smita Singh
Associate General Counsel
773-702-7239
smitasingh@uchicago.edu