ITAR Compliance

The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), govern the export, temporary import, and sharing of defense-related items and services. These items are listed in the United States Munitions List (USML) (22 CFR §121). 

Examples of Defense Articles 

•  Military-grade technology: Drones, weapons systems 

• Satellites and space-related equipment 

• Protective gear: Designed for military use 

• Technical data: Related to USML items 

Defense articles encompass more than weapons—they include any items, technology, or data tailored for military applications. Research projects at HSC involving such technologies may be subject to ITAR regulations. 

ITAR regulations may affect HSC research and operations in the following scenarios: 

Controlled Research Projects 

Projects involving technologies or data listed on the USML. 

Deemed Exports 

Sharing ITAR-controlled data or services with individuals who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents (22 CFR §120.17). 

International Collaborations 

Partnering with international institutions or colleagues. 

International Travel 

Transporting ITAR-controlled items or data abroad, which may require prior approval or export licenses. 

Hiring Non-U.S. Persons 

Employing international colleagues in projects involving ITAR-regulated technologies. 

ITAR includes specific requirements for the Fundamental Research Exclusion (FRE): 

• Research results must be intended for public dissemination without publication restrictions. 

• There must be no sponsor-imposed restrictions on data access or participation based on nationality. 

If a project involves ITAR-controlled technologies and imposes access or publication restrictions, FRE does not apply. HSC’s Office of Research Security and International Compliance (ORSIC) can guide you through these requirements.
Reference: 22 CFR §120.11 

Failing to comply with ITAR regulations can result in severe consequences: 

Civil Penalties 

Fines of up to $1 million per violation (DDTC, 2024). 

 Criminal Penalties 

Including imprisonment. 

Loss of Funding 

Non-compliance can jeopardize grants, contracts, and future funding opportunities. 

Reputational Damage 

ITAR violations can harm HSC’s trustworthiness and collaborative opportunities. 

HSC’s Office of Research Security and International Compliance (ORSIC) provides tailored support to ensure ITAR compliance while enabling innovation. 

Our Services Include: 

• Project Screening: Determining if research involves ITAR-regulated technologies. 

• Training and Education: Offering workshops and resources to understand ITAR requirements. 

• License Assistance: Guiding the process of applying for export licenses. 

• Collaboration Support: Ensuring international partnerships meet ITAR standards. 

• Deemed Export Guidance: Helping evaluate activities involving non-U.S. persons. 

• Technology Control Plans (TCPs): Assisting in developing TCPs for ITAR-regulated projects. 

A deemed export occurs when ITAR-controlled data or services are shared with individuals who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Examples include: 

• Collaborating with international colleagues on ITAR projects.  

• Sharing ITAR-controlled data during meetings or via email. 

Yes. Traveling with ITAR-regulated data or equipment may require prior approval or an export license. ORSIC can assist with the process. 

Yes, but only with proper authorization or licensing. ORSIC will help ensure compliance.

Violations can lead to fines, imprisonment, loss of funding, and reputational harm.

Reference: DDTC Compliance Guidance, 2024