International Packages & Export Controls
Shipping packages outside the United States requires strict adherence to federal export laws, transit insurance mandates, and formal customs declarations. Review the required legal clearances and shipping policies below before preparing your shipment.
Federal Export Control Requirments
International shipments are subject to federal export control regulations. Before shipping internationally, departments should coordinate with Export Control to determine whether:
- an export license is required
- shipment restrictions apply
- additional documentation is needed
- recordkeeping requirements apply
Export Control Contact
- International Shipments Blink Page
- Email: export@ucsd.edu
- Phone: 858-246-3300
Unless the Outbound Shipping team is fully managing the shipment process, departments are responsible for obtaining required export clearances before shipping.
Export Documentation Support
Some international shipments require additional customs or export documentation.
Review:
If you need assistance with shipping documentation, contact the Outbound Shipping team via UC San Diego Services & Support.
Multiple Package Shipments
Additional requirements apply when shipping multiple packages internationally.
Departments should:
- label each package clearly
- identify the total number of packages (example: “1 of 3”)
- provide contents for each package
- follow all customs declaration requirements
Review the Multi-Package International Shipping Guide (PDF) for additional guidance.
Transit Insurance Mandates
Protecting high-value university assets during global transit is critical. International shipments processed through an official Logistics Request Form are automatically covered under university transit insurance programs.
- Pre-Approval: You must review the Foreign Shipment Insurance Policy and obtain documented departmental approval prior to initiating your shipment.
- Contact Risk Management for specific international coverage inquiries:
- Email: ehsrisk@ucsd.edu
- Phone: 858-534-2454
Hazardous, Biological, and Sensitive Shipments
International shipments containing sensitive, regulated, or hazardous items are subject to stringent global transport safety laws. You must strictly follow the [Hazardous Materials Shipping Blink page] if your parcel contains:
- Biological or research materials
- Temperature-sensitive items or dry ice
- Lithium batteries
- Chemical or hazardous materials
Pickup Requests
All outbound international package pickups require a 24-hour advance notice.
How to Schedule a Pickup
- Log in to the Logistics Request Form using your SSO.
- Select International and/or Hazardous Outbound Shipment.
- Enter all required information and include as many details as possible.
- Submit the form.
- Review the confirmation and shipment documentation that is sent to you via email upon submission.
NOTE: For liability and chain-of-custody reasons, Logistics drivers may only pick up shipments with an approved pickup request form. Shipments without a submitted pickup request form will not be picked up.