Compliance Framework

ITAR

International Traffic in Arms Regulations - Protecting Defense Articles and Technical Data from Unauthorized Access

ITAR is a set of United States government regulations that control the export and import of defense-related articles and services on the United States Munitions List (USML). Administered by the Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), ITAR requires that defense articles, technical data, and defense services are protected from access by foreign persons without authorization. For defense contractors and manufacturers, ITAR compliance requires strict controls over who can access ITAR-controlled technical data, where it can be stored and transmitted, and how it is shared with partners and suppliers. Violations can result in criminal penalties, fines up to $1 million per violation, debarment from defense contracting, and even imprisonment.

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Key Requirements

ITAR Requirements

What you need to know about ITAR compliance. Need help getting started?

Register with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) if manufacturing or exporting defense articles
Implement secure facility controls including physical access control, visitor management, and secure storage for ITAR-controlled data
Deploy IT controls that prevent unauthorized access by foreign persons including network segmentation, access controls, and data classification
Maintain employee screening procedures to verify U.S. person status for all employees accessing ITAR-controlled technical data
Implement export control procedures for sharing technical data with partners, suppliers, and foreign persons
Maintain records of all ITAR-controlled data access, technical data releases, and export authorizations
Conduct regular internal compliance audits and maintain an ITAR compliance manual and procedures
Report potential violations to DDTC within 60 days and implement corrective actions
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Why It Matters

Key Benefits

Why ITAR compliance matters for your business and how it protects your operations, customers, and growth.

Maintain eligibility to work on US defense contracts involving ITAR-controlled data. ITAR compliance is not optional for companies manufacturing, exporting, or brokering defense articles listed on the USML. Non-compliance means ineligibility for the defense contracts that represent the core of your business.

Avoid severe penalties including fines up to $1 million per violation, debarment from defense contracting, and criminal prosecution. DDTC enforcement has increased significantly, with multi-million dollar settlements and debarment actions becoming more common.

Protect sensitive defense technology from unauthorized access by foreign entities. ITAR controls help prevent foreign competitors and adversaries from accessing US defense technology, protecting both national security and your competitive advantage.

Build trust with prime contractors and the DoD by demonstrating robust ITAR compliance. Prime contractors increasingly require verified ITAR compliance from their supply chain partners as part of their own compliance obligations.

Ensure ITAR Compliance
Who It's For

Who Needs ITAR?

Any company that manufactures, exports, brokers, or otherwise deals in defense articles or defense services on the United States Munitions List (USML) needs ITAR compliance. This includes aerospace and defense manufacturers, satellite and space technology companies, defense electronics and components suppliers, ammunition and weapons manufacturers, military vehicle and equipment manufacturers, and any company providing defense services or technical data related to USML items. Companies working on DoD programs that involve technical data about defense articles should also assess ITAR applicability.

How We Help

Our Approach to ITAR

We guide you through the entire compliance lifecycle. From gap analysis to audit support, we make compliance manageable.

01

ITAR applicability assessment to determine whether your products, services, or technical data are subject to ITAR registration and compliance requirements. We review your USML categorization, customer base, and technical data handling to determine your obligations.

02

ITAR compliance program development including policies, procedures, and employee training. We build comprehensive compliance manuals covering export control procedures, foreign person access controls, technical data release procedures, and recordkeeping requirements.

03

Technical controls implementation including facility access control, network segmentation, data classification, and access monitoring for ITAR-controlled environments. We isolate ITAR data on segregated networks with strict access controls and comprehensive audit logging.

04

DDTC registration support and compliance monitoring. We help you complete the DDTC registration process, maintain your compliance program, and prepare for periodic internal audits and potential DDTC compliance reviews.

Ensure ITAR Compliance
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ITAR and EAR?
ITAR governs defense articles on the United States Munitions List (USML) and is administered by the Department of State (DDTC). EAR (Export Administration Regulations) governs dual-use commercial items on the Commerce Control List (CCL) and is administered by the Department of Commerce (BIS). ITAR controls are generally more restrictive, with a presumption of denial for most exports. Proper classification of your items is critical.
What constitutes a foreign person under ITAR?
A foreign person includes any natural person who is not a US citizen, lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual (asylee/refugee). It also includes foreign corporations, governments, and organizations. Access to ITAR-controlled technical data by foreign persons requires authorization, which is typically very difficult to obtain.
Can we store ITAR data in the cloud?
Yes, but with significant restrictions. Cloud service providers must agree in writing that ITAR-controlled data will be physically stored in the US, accessible only by US persons or appropriately authorized individuals, and backed up only within the US. Not all cloud providers accept these terms. AWS GovCloud and Azure Government are common choices.
What are the penalties for ITAR violations?
Civil penalties can reach $1,120,000 per violation. Criminal penalties include fines up to $1 million per violation and up to 20 years imprisonment. DDTC can also issue debarment orders that prohibit a company from participating in defense trade, effectively ending their defense contracting business. Voluntary disclosure of violations may reduce penalties.

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