ITAR Fundamentals: Controlling US Defense Articles and Services

Introduction

The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) imposesome of the most stringent export control obligations in the world.Administered by the State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls(DDTC), ITAR controls the export of defence articles, services, and technicaldata listed on the US Munitions List. Non-compliance can result in criminalprosecution, debarment, and severe reputational damage. This course provides athorough grounding in ITAR fundamentals, covering the Munitions List,registration requirements, licensing, and the practical challenges of managingITAR obligations in a global business environment.

Who ThisCourse Is For

This course is essential for compliance, legal, engineering,and export professionals at defence contractors, aerospace companies,cybersecurity firms, and any organisation that manufactures, exports, or providesservices related to US defence articles. It is also relevant to non-UScompanies that handle ITAR-controlled items.

WhatYou'll Learn

•      The structure and scope of ITAR and the US MunitionsList (USML)

•      The difference between ITAR and EAR jurisdiction

•      DDTC registration requirements for manufacturers andexporters

•      How to identify ITAR-controlled articles, services, andtechnical data

•      Licence requirements and key licence categories

•      Deemed export obligations under ITAR

•      Agreements: Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs) andManufacturing Licence Agreements (MLAs)

•      Penalties for ITAR violations and enforcement trends

CourseStructure

Format: Live onlinesession with Q&A, also available as on-demand recording

Duration: 2 hours

Level: Intermediate

Assessment: Noformal assessment — attendance certificate issued on completion

Technical Requirements

This course is compatible with most operating systems andmodern web browsers. Live sessions are delivered via video conferencing.On-demand recordings are accessible via the course platform. A stable internetconnection is recommended. If you experience access issues, please contact yourorganisation's IT department or the course provider.

Course Content

1. The ITAR Framework

•      Legal basis: the Arms Export Control Act (AECA)

•      DDTC: structure, role, and enforcement authority

•      ITAR vs EAR: the jurisdictional dividing line

•      Registration requirements: who must register with DDTC

2. The US Munitions List

•      Structure of the USML: 21 categories

•      Key categories: military vehicles, aircraft, vessels,electronics, and firearms

•      Specially Designed: the critical concept for USMLclassification

•      Technical data and defence services: broader thanphysical goods

3. Licensing Under ITAR

•      DSP-5: permanent export licence

•      DSP-73: temporary export licence

•      DSP-61: temporary import licence

•      Exemptions: key ITAR exemptions and their conditions

•      The prior approval requirement for re-exports andre-transfers

4. Agreements

•      Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs): scope andapproval

•      Manufacturing Licence Agreements (MLAs)

•      Warehouse and Distribution Agreements (WDAs)

•      Managing agreement compliance and record-keeping

5. Deemed Exports and ForeignNational Access

•      ITAR deemed export: disclosure to foreign nationals

•      Technology Control Plans and access controls

•      Dual and third-country national considerations

•      Practical challenges for multinational organisations

6. Enforcement and VoluntaryDisclosure

•      Criminal and administrative penalties under ITAR

•      Consent agreements and compliance programmes

•      Voluntary disclosure: process and practical benefits

•      Case study: a significant ITAR enforcement action

Level
Intermediate
120min
Written by
Alexander Witt
Founder of Sanctions Center

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