International Traffic in Arms Regulations
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are concerned with items that are inherently military in nature. Commercial (dual-use) items are governed by the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Items regulated by the ITAR are listed on the United States Munitions List (USML).
The distribution of these items and "technical data" related to them is strictly prohibited under ITAR. As described in ITAR 120.10 (5), technical data means information required for the design, development, production, manufacture, assembly, operation, repair, testing, maintenance, or modification of controlled articles.
The furnishing of technical data to a foriegn national is classified as a defense service. Defense services are the provision of assistance to foreign nationals anywhere in connection with the design, development, or manufacture of articles listed on the USML (ITAR 120.9.).
The twenty-one broad categories of the USML are as follows:
I. Firearms, close assault weapons and combat shotguns
II. Guns and Armament
III. Ammunition/Ordnance
IV. Launch vehicles, guided missiles, ballistic missiles, rockets, torpedoes, bombs, and mines
V. Explosives and energetic materials, propellants, incendiary agents and their constituents
VI. Vessels of war and special naval equipment
VII. Tanks and military vehicles
VIII. Aircraft and associated equipment
IX. Military training equipment and training
X. Protective personnel equipment and shelters
XI. Military Electronics
XII. Fire control, range finder, optical and guidance and control equipment
XIII. Auxiliary military equipment
XIV. Toxicological agents, including chemical agents, biological agents and associated equipment
XV. Spacecraft systems and associated equipment
XVI. Nuclear weapons, design and testing related items
XVII. Classified articles, technical data and defense services not otherwise enumerated
XVIII. Directed energy weapons
XIX. Reserved
XX. Submersive vehicles, oceanographic and associated equipment
XXI. Miscellaneous Articles
If your research falls within these categories and you are exporting information or services, you may need to apply for an export license.
