Applicable U.S. export control and sanctions regulations. These regulations govern whether certain items, technology, software, or information may be exported, to whom, and under what conditions. An export compliance review helps determine:

• Whether an item, technology, or data is subject to export control restrictions.
• Whether the destination, recipient, or end use raises regulatory concern.
• Whether additional requirements, such as documentation, licensing, or access controls, apply before export activity occurs.

Because export controls are fact-specific and depend on the item, destination, recipient, and purpose, review is required even when research is academic in nature. Conducting review in advance helps prevent shipment delays, avoids inadvertent noncompliance, and allows research activities to proceed appropriately and on schedule.

Dangerous goods are materials that are regulated for transportation because they may pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during shipment. These materials are regulated separately from export controls under U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rules and international carrier requirements. Examples of dangerous goods may include:

• Certain chemicals or chemical mixtures.
• Biological or infectious materials.
• Radioactive materials.
• Lithium batteries or materials shipped with dry ice.

Dangerous goods requirements apply to both domestic and international shipments and focus on proper classification, packaging, labeling, documentation, and handling. When applicable, these requirements ensure materials are transported safely and in compliance with transportation regulations. For questions, reach out to dangerousgoods@utdallas.edu. Add something about the training module.

A Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) is a legally binding agreement that governs the transfer of tangible research materials between institutions. MTAs define the terms under which materials may be shared, including permitted uses, ownership, publication rights, and restrictions on redistribution or further transfer.

MTAs are commonly used to protect intellectual property, ensure compliance with sponsor and regulatory requirements, and clarify responsibilities between the providing and receiving parties.

An MTA may be required when research materials are sent to or received from an external party, particularly when the materials are:

• Biological materials, reagents, cell lines, tissues, or other unique research samples;
• Proprietary, confidential, or otherwise restricted in use;
• Developed under sponsored research with contractual obligations;
• Subject to limitations on reuse, redistribution, or further transfer; or
• Being transferred internationally.

MTA requirements are separate from export control and dangerous goods regulations, but they often intersect. For example, a shipment may require:

Dangerous goods review to ensure safe transport.

An MTA to govern legal use of the material.

Export compliance review to address regulatory restrictions.