What Is ITAR Certification?

The manufacture and design of defense- and aerospace-related products involves the cooperation of thousands of contractors with varying levels of access to potentially sensitive data. So, it makes sense that there would be regulations in place to prevent such information from falling into the wrong hands. These are outlined in full by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)—a set of regulations around the production, sale, and distribution of products and technical data on the United States Munitions List (USML).

ITAR certification can occasionally be a source of confusion. It’s common for companies to claim that they are ITAR certified as a way to emphasize that they are in compliance with relevant regulations. However, in truth, no such certification exists. ITAR simply sets forth a list of regulatory requirements. Companies can register and, from that point, are obligated to remain in compliance. In order to register, the United States government requires the company to have an ITAR compliance program in place. So, when a company claims to be ITAR certified, it’s simply a shorthand for saying that they are registered for ITAR and have established an acceptable compliance program.

When Is ITAR Certification Necessary?

Contractors, wholesalers, manufacturers, hardware and software vendors, and suppliers are all subject to ITAR. In fact, if a company has any involvement with the handling, production, design, sales, or distribution of materials on the USML, ITAR compliance is required. It’s important to note that this list isn’t restricted to hardware, such as weaponry or aerospace components. It also includes what is classified as “technical data” such as plans, drawings, and documentation.

Understanding ITAR Regulations & Compliance Challenges

At its core, ITAR regulations simply state that only United States citizens can access hardware and technical data on the USML. However, remaining in compliance with this regulation can be more difficult than it seems. For example, many companies based in the United States will have offices overseas. Workers or contractors employed locally in these countries are not allowed to access ITAR technical data unless they have authorization from the State Department. However, the most significant challenge is establishing an ITAR compliance program.

What Is an ITAR Compliance Program?

Companies registered for ITAR must be able to prove that all relevant technical data has been accessed only by United States citizens or those with authorization. As such, an acceptable ITAR compliance program is one that can track and monitor technical data while also allowing for accurate auditing. Compliance programs should also have robust protections against accidental sharing of restricted materials. One common measure to achieve this is to clearly mark all technical data with an ITAR notice.

Why Is ITAR Certification Important?

ITAR compliance is critical to preventing sensitive information, such as data on the United States’ defense capabilities, from being accessed by foreign adversaries. However, ITAR registration can be also an important indicator of which companies you want to align with. It’s important to understand that ITAR compliance extends beyond your own company’s operations. Each organization is responsible for ensuring that any company or vendor they share technical data with is also ITAR compliant.

As a leading precision manufacturing portfolio company, Demmer Manufacturing comprises multiple organizations that uphold the highest quality control and compliance standards, and that includes ITAR registration and the maintenance of robust compliance programs. To learn more about our precision machining companies, browse our portfolio page and visit our affiliates’ websites.