International Traffic in Arms Regulations

The International Traffic in Arms Regulations ( ITAR; German: rules of international arms trade ) is an American regulatory framework which aims at controlling the traffic in arms, armaments and defense equipment. This claim the U.S. as regards the ITAR a global responsibility.

Content

ITAR calls for all goods that are listed in the extensive United States Munitions List ( USML ), a state control. The USML covers all primary military goods, as well as electronic components, which are to serve their intended purpose here is not just for military purposes. The military goods are according to the understanding of the United States also space-related goods, so that cooperation between ESA and NASA missions at Dawn, MSL09 and ExoMars is also affected by the ITAR. Unlike in the U.S. Export Administration Regulations ( EAR) laid down principles for the assessment of a permit requirement for dual-use goods which under certain conditions ( de minimis rule ) does not need a permit requirement, all subject in the United States Munitions List ( USML ) items listed under ITAR principle of export control. The sale and the ( re-) export of goods ( including related services ) that are listed in the USML, must be approved by the competent authority, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls ( DDTC ) in advance. This check and approval process is designed to help

• To satisfy the legitimate interests of friendly states,
• To prevent aggression
• Promote regional stability and
• To promote the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Criticism

• The ITAR also relates assembled objects that use components that are subject to ITAR. Although assembly and export occurs only in third countries, a permit from the competent U.S. authority must be obtained legally, with each country border ( re-) export or sale process. In addition, the export laws of third countries shall apply, so that a heavy bureaucracy arises.
• The U.S. authorities have the right, in the approval process complete blueprint of objects in which ITAR- subject components are installed, regardless of the size or complexity of the object. The scope of the transmitted data is in principle unlimited. Critics see here one of the most serious problem areas since the U.S. authorities have to provide any proof of utilization and industrial espionage is possible.