ITAR Compliance, What It Means and Why It Matters to a Business

ITAR compliance is critical for any company involved in the manufacture, sale, or distribution of goods or services on the United States Munitions List. In addition, it also applies to most component suppliers for the making of any goods on the list. The acronym, ITAR, stands for the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. It is the set of US government regulations that control the import and export of defense-related items and services as listed on the USML (U.S. Munitions List).

US law requires all manufacturers, exporters, and brokers of defense articles, services, or related technical data to be ITAR compliant. As a result, more companies are also requiring ITAR compliance of their supply chain members.

In many cases, these laws apply to domestic activities as well. For example, you may have to register your company under ITAR or there may be restrictions on transferring technology to foreign nationals in the US. Similarly, even when export activities are not occurring, if you are operating in the Defense area or with U.S. Munitions List items, these laws will likely apply.

ITAR Compliance 3 — Night vision cameras and the components inside them are good examples of items on the USML.

Meeting ITAR Compliance Requirements for Glass Components

Precision Electronic Glass is ITAR compliant in order to supply various components used in the manufacture of defense and aerospace products. Our requirement of being ITAR certified means that our company (PEG) is registered with the State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). Also, we understand and abide by the ITAR as it applies to USML-linked goods or services. By agreeing to be a supplier for USML prime exporters, PEG certifies that we operate in accordance with ITAR.

Therefore, this relieves our clients of any concerns when they examine their supply chain. For example, our clients can be comfortable that the resources PEG uses to make products for their defense and aerospace products meet federal guidelines.

Security Components — Defense contractors often rely on outside contractors to ensure they are meeting regulatory requirements for internal training and complaince.

What Types of Products and Services Must Be ITAR-Compliant?

It is surprising what types of suppliers contribute to the manufacturing of products found on the USML. We often think only about the end product. However, anyone who has a hand in the design and production of an end-product on the USML is a supplier. For example, the USML restricts plans, diagrams, photos, and technical data used to build military gear.

There are 21 categories on the U.S. Munitions List ranging from the obvious like guns, ammunition, and explosives to the not-so-obvious like electronics, fire control, and personal protective equipment. Fortunately, the departments of Defense and Commerce have made it easier to determine if an article is regulated under ITAR by developing web-based (decision-tree) tools. These four tools, each with a clear explanation, help you understand which is the appropriate tool for your situation.

When in doubt about ITAR compliance, it is a good idea to do internal training. Alternatively, you can outsource to one of the many companies that specialize in helping to determine needs. Simply search for ITAR compliance to learn more.

ITAR Complaince 5 — Lasers used in manufacturing products require research regarding ITAR compliance for export.

About PEG

PEG provides custom glass and quartz products and related products and services to OEMs and distributors around the world in countries where our customers operate. We fabricate the finest precision glass and quartz components and assemblies to customer specifications. Working with our customers, we also manufacture prototypes and handle small to large production runs. In addition, we perform the value-added assembly.

Utilizing manual or computer-controlled glass lathe fabrication; glass-to-glass and glass-to-metal graded seals; cutting and end finishing; and precision grinding/polishing, PEG produces a variety of components and value-added assemblies, including medical, dental, or industrial glass X-ray tubes, and CO2 or HeNe lasers. We produce all glass and quartz fabrications in facilities certified to ISO 9001:2015 standards of quality. Our commitment to quality and integrity in everything we do is reflected in our mission statement, corporate values, and quality policy.