Everything that crosses the border is an export, even if the item is abroad only temporarily, or if the item is used exclusively for research. All physical items are subject to export control regulations and may require export licenses and/or other appropriate documentation prior to being shipped or hand-carried abroad.

The term “items” includes:

• commodities,
• equipment,
• materials,
• food,
• medicine,
• information and software on physical media,
• portable electronic devices, etc.

Submit a International Shipment/Hand-carry Request at least 30 days prior to the date of export and receive approval from the Export Compliance Office before the items leave the country. If there is a need for an export license (e.g., for shipping pathogens and chemicals or shipping to a comprehensively sanctioned destination), it could take several weeks, or longer, to obtain the license from the appropriate Government agency.

For more information on UNC-Chapel Hill processes for shipping and receiving, please refer to the University Shipping & Receiving Guidebook.

Electronic Export Information (EEI) Filing

Electronic Export Information Filing Instructions:

The U.S. export control and foreign trade regulations often require University shippers and travelers to file EEI with the U.S. Census Bureau when shipping or hand-carrying University-owned items internationally. Particularly, EEI filings are typically required when shipping or hand-carrying University-owned items (including laptops and smart devices) that fall into one of the two categories:

1. The total cash value of the item(s) classified under each individual Schedule B number* is higher than $2,500, or
2. The items are destined for China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Russia, or Venezuela, regardless of the shipment’s cash value.

*The Export Compliance Office will identify the Schedule B number for the EEI. For certain commercial items, the vendor/manufacturer may be able to provide the Schedule B number (either published online or on request).

EEI Glossary:

When the Export Compliance Office files EEIs on behalf of University-owned goods, information is submitted into the Automated Export System (AES) within the Census Bureau. Below is a glossary of some key terms used in the AES.

Shipment Information:

Information about the logistics of getting your items from point A to point B, which includes the following:

Date of Export:

The day the items leave UNC-Chapel Hill.

USPPI:

The U.S. Principal Party of Interest (USPPI) is the party responsible for transferring the items abroad. For any international shipment or hand-carry of University-owned items, use the following information for the USPPI:

Destination:

The individual who is receiving the items in the foreign country, their address, and their affiliated entity, if applicable.

Method of Transportation:

Specify whether you plan to ship or hand-carry the items by sea, land, or air. If you are hand-carrying the items abroad and are traveling by plane, please indicate “Air.”

Exporting Carrier:

The carrier that you are using to transfer the items out of the country. If you are hand-carrying the items abroad and are traveling by plane, this will be the airline that you are using to fly out of the U.S.

Port of Export:

The last location from where the items will leave the U.S. If you are hand-carrying the items abroad and are traveling by plane, this will be the last airport in the U.S. from which you will fly to your foreign destination.

Items Information:

• Hazardous Materials (Yes/No)
• Domestic (D) or Foreign (F) origin. Indicate “D” or “F” next to each Schedule B number or Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code.
• Schedule B number or HTS code: 10-digit commodity classification that is applied to each item being transferred out of the U.S.
  • The Schedule B look-up tool can be used to help you find the appropriate code.
  • For certain commercial items, the vendor/manufacturer may be able to provide this code (either published online or on request).
• Export Control Classification Number (ECCN): For commercial items, please contact the vendor/manufacturer to obtain the ECCN. Many companies publish this information online.
  • • Please note: The ECCN for any given item is a legal designation from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). If you have an ECCN and have not previously received Export Compliance review for your international shipment or hand-carry, please contact the Export Compliance Office for assistance before transferring anything out of the country, in accordance with the University Policy on Export Controls.
• Description of Commodities: Short description of the item(s), fair market price, number of items/packages, and weight in kilograms.