Overview
The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) is a United States export control regulatory framework administered by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) within the U.S. Department of State. Implemented under the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), ITAR regulates the manufacture, export, temporary import, re-export, retransfer, and brokering of defense articles, defense services, and related technical data identified on the United States Munitions List (USML). The regulations are codified in 22 CFR Parts 120–130 and are intended to protect U.S. national security and foreign policy interests by preventing unauthorized access to controlled military technologies and defense-related information.
ITAR establishes requirements for registration, licensing, recordkeeping, compliance programs, export authorizations, and restrictions on the transfer of controlled technical data to foreign persons and entities. Organizations involved in defense manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, defense contracting, research, software development, or international defense trade must ensure compliance with ITAR requirements, including controls over access to ITAR-regulated information, products, and services. Non-compliance may result in significant civil penalties, criminal penalties, export restrictions, and other enforcement actions.