International Shipping

International shipments are subject to numerous export and import regulations, including U.S. export control and sanctions regulations and restricted party screening requirements. Shipping without required federal approval is a violation of federal law and University policy.

All Northwestern shipments must be initiated through Northwestern Express Shipping Program: eShipGlobal. eShipGlobal incorporates compliance screening to identify shipments that require review by the Export Controls & International Compliance (ECIC) team. Shipments meeting review criteria are automatically routed to ECIC for evaluation. ECIC will then either clear the shipment to continue processing or contact the shipper if additional review is needed.

UPDATE - Northwestern will be implementing several enhancements to the eShip Global Export Compliance process over the coming days. These updates are designed to reduce unnecessary reviews, improve efficiency, and strengthen compliance oversight across the shipment process.

New Resources

Important Reminders

Review the Export Control screening question carefully to avoid violations.
If your shipment meets the criteria for export compliance review, it will be automatically routed to our team. There’s no need to email us separately.
All chemical shipments must continue to be reviewed by Research Safety before an eShip label is created. Visit their Hazardous Shipping website for details.
Biological shipments must be initiated through the appropriate Research Materials workflow on eShip. Visit Research Safety Hazardous Shipping website for details.
ECIC will continue to review shipments involving high-risk destinations, restricted parties, and controlled items.

Who can help with questions?

All eShip questions must be routed through eShipGlobal customer support available on Procurement & Payment Services eShip Global Webpage.

For export controls questions reach out to the ECIC team. You can also review the eShip User Guide: Export Controls for step-by-step export control guidance.

For assistance with shipping logistics, customs documentation, carrier-related questions, or eShip platform issues, please contact eShip Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does ECIC review a shipment?

ECIC reviews outbound international shipments to ensure compliance with export regulations. A shipment requires review if the item is export controlled, the destination is considered high risk, there is a restricted party screening match, or other export compliance flags are identified during eShip screening.

2. Does ECIC review inbound shipments?

The ECIC team does not review import compliance for inbound international shipments. Recipients at Northwestern are responsible for obtaining all required permits and ensuring that the shipper provides an accurate description of the materials to the carrier.

However, ECIC will manually run restricted party screenings on the sender for international inbound shipments that are shipped to Northwestern University as the recipient.

Review ECIC's Import General Guidance and Procurement's Shipping Guide for more information.

3. How long does an export compliance review take?

Review times vary based on the shipment details, applicable regulations, and how quickly we receive the necessary information. For shipments involving equipment, biological samples, or chemical samples, we recommend initiating the process at least 3–4 weeks before your target ship date. Make sure to follow Research Safety shipping requirements before you initiate a shipment on eShip.

4. Do I need to contact the ECIC Office separately when starting an international shipment in eShip?

No. If your shipment meets the criteria for export compliance review, it will be automatically routed to our team. There’s no need to email us separately.

5. What is the Commerce Control List and an ECCN?

An Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) is a five-character alphanumeric code (e.g., 3A001) used to classify items—such as technology, software, and commodities—under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). It indicates licensing requirements for those items.

Items listed on the Commerce Control List (CCL) with an ECCN are considered controlled. If an item is subject to the EAR but not specifically listed on the CCL, it is typically designated as EAR99, meaning it is low controlled. However, EAR99 items may still require a license depending on the item's end use and end user.

6. How do I determine whether my item is controlled?

Controlled items are listed on the Commerce Control List (CCL) or US Munitions List (USML). If they are not specified on these lists, they are designated as EAR99. If your item was purchased, you can request export classification information from the manufacturer or vendor.

You can also search these lists yourself to determine if your item is listed. ECIC can help you classify your item or request an official classification from BIS if needed.

Review the eShip User Guide: Export Controls for step-by-step export control guidance.

Additional resources:

7. What if I do not know my item’s ECCN or I’m unsure?

If you performed a search and are unsure if your items are controlled, the ECIC team can help you classify your item or request an official classification from BIS if needed.

Review the Export Compliance User Guide for instructions on how to request ECIC's assistance when creating your label on eShip.

8. Will I need an export compliance review every time I ship the same item?

Not necessarily. Reviews depend on the destination, end use, and end user. Regulations can change, and items previously exempt may now require a license.

If the Export Controls team has reviewed an identical item and classified it as EAR99, your item will not require a new export compliance review unless it ships to a high-risk country; there is a restricted party screening match; or if any of the other compliance review criteria apply--for example, a military, space, or defense-related end use. ECIC will upload most reviewed items to eShip's item look-up tool. Find more details in the Export Compliance User Guide.

If the item or end use differs from the original request, you must determine whether the item is controlled or seek assistance from ECIC. To ensure compliance, carefully review and answer eShip's export compliance screening question each time you ship.

9. What is a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA)?

A Material Transfer Agreement is a contract governing the transfer of research materials between organizations. If your shipment is associated with an MTA and requires ECIC review, attach the MTA on eShip.

10. What is EEI filing in the AES system and who can assist with obtaining an ITN#?

Under Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR), international shipments may require Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing in the Automated Export System (AES). Filing is required when the value of the commodity classified under each individual Schedule B number is over $2,500; or when a mandatory filing requirement applies.

If EEI filing is required, contact your carrier using the instructions on the AES Filing panel on eShip. Once filed, your carrier will provide an ITN#.

EEI filing is also required when you are shipping with an export license including a permit, certificate, or any other document authorizing export of particular goods in specific quantities or values to a particular destination. Issuing agencies include, but are not limited to, the U.S. State Department; the BIS; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; and the Drug Enforcement Administration permit to export. Make sure to check the corresponding box on eShip to complete AES filing.

If your shipment is exempt from filing, the ECIC team will provide an FTSR Exemption Code. Only our team is authorized to make exemption determinations.

For more details see guidance from the US Census Bureau and the Commerce Department.

11. When is EEI filing required for shipments to China, Russia, or Venezuela?

Shipments of items on the Commerce Control List to China, Russia, or Venezuela, require EEI filing regardless of value, unless an exemption applies. The ECIC team will review these shipments and provide guidance as needed.

12. What happens if I ship an item to a Restricted Party or licensed destination without the proper license?

Transactions involving restricted parties or controlled exports without required authorization may violate federal law and University policy and can result in shipment seizure, civil penalties, criminal penalties, delays, and loss of export privileges.

However, if we voluntarily report the potential violation, the government may consider the disclosure as a mitigating factor when making penalty decisions. You should always contact the Export Controls team for assistance if you think there may be an export control violation.

Who can assist me?

eShipGlobal provides support to shippers for questions related to technical issues, shipping logistics, carrier and quote information, payments, shipping and customs documentation, and similar questions.

Export Controls & International Compliance team reviews shipments for export control compliance, conducts Restricted Party Screenings and helps determine if you need an export control license.

Procurement and Payment Services offers general shipping guidance and links to Northwestern’s preferred Customs Broker for more complex shipments.

Research Safety provides assistance and training to help members of the University community comply with shipping regulations for biological, chemical or radiological materials.