Top 3 ITAR Compliance Checklists

ITAR-compliance-checklist-featured|ITAR Compliance Checklist

An ITAR compliance checklist is used by arms suppliers to determine if their company complies with ITAR. Use this comprehensive checklist to conduct annual compliance audits and detect ITAR non-compliance based on export clearance requirements, ITAR-controlled technical data, use of ITAR exemptions, and more. This 60-item ITAR compliance checklist has been designed for officers to perform the following:

  1. Conduct annual compliance audits and detect ITAR non-compliance based on export clearance requirements;
  2. Determine ITAR compliance based on 26 categories, including registration, licenses, and voluntary disclosure;
  3. Ensure that the company is registered with DDTC or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls
  4. Capture photo evidence of ITAR compliance;
  5. Assign corrective actions for non-compliant items; and
  6. Sign off with digital signatures and auto-generate the ITAR compliance report.
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ITAR Compliance Checklist

Published 21 June 2024 Article by Jona Tarlengco | 4 min read

What is ITAR Compliance?

The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requires all manufacturers, exporters, temporary importers, brokers, and furnishers of ITAR-controlled defense articles and services—including technical data—to register with the U.S. Department of State and obtain export licenses to stay ITAR compliant.

What is an ITAR Compliance Checklist?

An ITAR compliance checklist is used by arms suppliers to easily:

What to Include in Your ITAR Compliance Checklist?

Unlike other types of checklists, ITAR compliance checklists are quite specific and straightforward. They should help businesses comply with the laws of governing bodies handling arms regulation and should enable manufacturers to keep up with the current standards surrounding the industry. Additionally, ITAR compliance checklists can serve as a guide to ensure that all relevant stakeholders stay aware of the different jurisdictions, licenses, and classifications needed to be adhered to by their business. Here are several questions that you can include in your ITAR compliance checklist:

Importation/Registration

One of the most basic aspects of staying compliant with ITAR is registration and rules for importation. See some of the sample questions you can include in your checklist:

Export/Re-export

Clearance Requirements ITAR also aims to control the processes of export and reexport of arms. If your company engages in arms exportation, consider asking the questions below:

Manufacturing License Agreements and Distribution Agreements

Aside from clearing procedures for international trades, arm businesses also observe various agreements that they should follow through. License and agreement-related questions can be along the lines of:

5 Benefits of ITAR Compliance

Washington-based export attorney, Kay Georgi, says that one of the most common mistakes among businesses is the lack of a clearly communicated, accurately enforced, and properly documented ITAR compliance program. Here is how your company can benefit from staying compliant with ITAR:

1. Quality Manufacturing Output

Manufacturers of defense articles who ensure ITAR compliance inevitably guarantee the production of safe products as well. Improve productivity by verifying that the product design and manufacturing process comply with ITAR.

2. Optimized Export Operations

Exporters and temporary importers of defense articles who comply with ITAR gain visibility across their entire operations because of accurate maintenance of records. Avoid seizure and forfeiture in attempts at illegal exports by obtaining licenses and other approvals.

3. No Wasted Time and Money

Last year, the U.S. Department of State fined an Oregon-based thermal imaging infrared camera manufacturer $30 Million for export violations. ITAR compliance will save tons of money and valuable time from costly civil or criminal penalties and up to 10 years of imprisonment per violation.

4. Increased Employee Morale

Companies boost morale, provide job security, and assure employee retention when they remain ITAR compliant. Complying with ITAR prevents debarment or losing export licenses and allows companies to continue doing business in the defense industry.

5. Good Reputation

ITAR-compliant businesses are likely to acquire more government contracts and win bids in weapons and ammunition. Because of a strong brand image, loyal clients become advocates of the product. ITAR compliance naturally attracts potential customers, expands your network, and strengthens your supply chain.

ITAR Compliance App

Why SafetyCulture?

Arms suppliers can easily comply with ITAR by successfully harnessing new technology. SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor), the world’s most powerful inspection software, can help compliance officers identify ITAR-controlled articles and services, conduct compliance audits, and prevent costly penalties. Empower your officers to:

Featured ITAR Compliance Checklists

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Monthly ITAR Compliance Checklist

This ITAR compliance checklist can be used by compliance officers every 30 days to ensure compliance with ITAR. Use this monthly checklist to complete export or temporary import control documents and efficiently monitor ITAR-controlled items. SafetyCulture’s scheduling feature enables compliance managers to easily assign monthly compliance checks, indicating exactly what time the inspections should start and finish.

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USML ITAR Compliance Checklist

This ITAR compliance checklist is derived from the USML and aims to help arms suppliers evaluate if their product is ITAR-controlled. This checklist includes all 21 sections of the USML and has been intuitively built to easily classify and specify ITAR-controlled products. SafetyCulture’s action feature empowers compliance officers to proactively respond when ITAR-controlled products have been identified.

Jona Tarlengco

Article by SafetyCulture Content Specialist

Jona Tarlengco is a content writer and researcher for SafetyCulture since 2018. She usually writes about safety and quality topics, contributing to the creation of well-researched articles. Her years of experience in one of the world’s leading business news organisations helps enrich the quality of the information in her work.

Explore more templates

Monthly ITAR Compliance Checklist

This ITAR compliance checklist can be used by compliance officers every 30 days to ensure compliance with ITAR. Use this monthly checklist to complete export or temporary import control documents and efficiently monitor ITAR-controlled items. SafetyCulture’s scheduling feature enables compliance managers to easily assign monthly compliance checks, indicating exactly what time the inspections should start and finish.

USML ITAR Compliance Checklist

This ITAR compliance checklist is derived from the USML and aims to help arms suppliers evaluate if their product is ITAR-controlled. This checklist includes all 21 sections of the USML and has been intuitively built to easily classify and specify ITAR-controlled products. SafetyCulture’s action feature empowers compliance officers to proactively respond when ITAR-controlled products have been identified.