This document provides a detailed overview of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) as discussed during a February 2001 session organized by the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR). The handout clarifies key regulatory definitions, including the meanings of "defense article," "export," "technical data," "public domain," "defense service," and "technical assistance agreement" as outlined in relevant sections of the Code of Federal Regulations. It explains that defense articles encompass items listed on the United States Munitions List as well as associated technical data, while technical data includes information necessary for the design, production, or operation of such articles but excludes general scientific principles and publicly accessible information.
The document outlines the requirements for obtaining licenses for the export or temporary import of defense articles and technical data. It specifies the necessary forms and supporting documentation, distinctions between classified and unclassified materials, and the need for certifications and relevant disclosures. Importantly, it highlights the controls on the disclosure or transfer of technical data to foreign persons within or outside the United States and defines the boundaries of fundamental research exempt from such controls when the results are broadly published. Overall, the summary handout serves as a foundational guide to compliance with ITAR, emphasizing the need for formal authorization prior to the international transfer of controlled defense-related items, technical data, and services.
