Restricted Parties

What are Restricted Parties?

Each U.S. Government agency with oversight for export controls administers various lists of restricted (or denied) parties. The lists include individuals, organizations, or companies that the federal agency has identified as a party the U.S. may not be able to conduct certain transactions with, such as exporting, investments, or, in some cases, any transaction.

The University will not enter into contracts or other agreements, do business with, or engage in any activity with entities on a U.S. government restricted party list without the prior written approval of the Export Control Officer.

Visual Compliance

UF Research Integrity, Security, and Compliance (UF RISC) maintains the license to use Visual Compliance to assist in restricted party screenings. UF RISC grants access to Visual Compliance for UF. Following completion of training with UF RISC, individuals may conduct restricted party screening(s) within Visual Compliance.

UF RISC is also able to conduct its own restricted party screening(s) for all academic units at UF. If a restricted party screening is required or if access to Visual Compliance is needed, please contact UF RISC at (352) 392-9174 for more assistance.

DJI Drones

The use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also known as Drones, have become increasingly popular for contemporary research activities. UF RISC is contributing to federal and state compliance efforts on behalf of UF faculty, staff, and students whose research involves the use of Drones, with regard to U.S. Export Control Regulations specifically.

In accordance with UF Export Control Policy, UF is committed to compliance with export control laws and regulations. UF RISC assists with the application of regulations to UF activities, transfer of controlled items, and the provision of controlled services. This includes the purchase, maintenance, use, and transfer of any Drones or any subsequent parts and equipment.

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) administers the BIS Entity List.  Entities designated on the BIS Entity List are Restricted Parties.  As mentioned previously, with few exceptions, the University of Florida does not engage in any activity with entities listed on U.S. Government restricted party lists.

As a result of DJI being added to the BIS Entity List on Dec. 22, 2020, UF will not support the purchase, rental or operation of DJI Drones or any subsequent parts and equipment.

This restriction also applies to any company operating under the following four aliases for DJI:

• Da-Jiang Innovations.
• Shenzhen DJI Innovation Technology Co., Ltd.
• SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd.
• Shenzhen DJI Sciences and Technologies Ltd.

At this time, it is unknown if this designation on the Entity List will change. Should restrictions change, UF would act accordingly.  There are currently no exceptions to this rule.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can you use a p-card to purchase a DJI Drone?
   No. UF does not support the purchase of equipment or parts manufactured by DJI or its subsidiaries regardless of the method of purchase.
2. What is UF doing to assist faculty with compliance regarding UAS usage and purchases?
   All UF UAS purchases are reviewed by the UF Drone Coordinator.  Purchase of UAS manufactured by DJI or one of its subsidiaries will be denied.
3. If a proposal or grant modification in process that will involve UAS purchases, should we look at other drone vendors outside of DJI when planning the narrative and budget?
   Yes, please look for other Drones at this time.
4. What other vendors would UF RISC suggest that we use instead of DJI?
   UF RISC is unable to recommend a specific vendor, however, we encourage faculty to search for U.S. made products.

For additional Information on export controls or questions about this information, please reach out to Marsha Pesch via exportcontrol@research.ufl.edu or 352-392-9174.

For additional information on UAS safety and FAA guidelines, please reach out to John Rouse via uf-uas@ufl.edu.