Regulatory Basics

Defense Article

 Defense articles are enumerated on the ITAR via United States Munitions List (USML). This includes:

• Military equipment and systems — radios, communications gear, etc.
• Components, parts accessories, attachments.
• Rescue equipment — may be controlled based on medications or medical tools in the kit.
• Production equipment (manufacturing) — any armory repair/replacement items.
• Technical data (including software).
• Night vision goggles.
• Firearms and parts and components related to them.
• Ammunition.
• Some armored vehicles.
• Some body armor — such as helmets.

It is important to understand that parts and accessories for items can be as tightly controlled as the full unit itself under the regulations. For instance, the firing pins for a firearm are as controlled as the entire firearm itself. Make sure you check with your compliance professional prior to exporting anything — no matter how small and unthreatening that item may seem.

Many foreign countries that are designated on the "watch lists" attempt to piece meal parts from multiple sources in order to maintain equipment; such as aircraft. This is a particular strategy of countries such as Iran, who uses piece parts to maintain their military aircraft — and this is why parts and components are controlled as a full up item would be.