What Is ITAR and Why It Matters for U.S. Manufacturers

Andrew S
Jun 30
2 min read

In today’s globalized economy, defense and aerospace manufacturers must navigate a complex web of regulations to ensure national security and legal compliance. One of the most critical frameworks in this space is the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). But what exactly is ITAR, and why should U.S. manufacturers - especially those in precision machining and defense contracting - care?

What Is the ITAR?

The ITAR is a set of U.S. government regulations administered by the Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). Its primary purpose is to control the export and import of defense-related articles and services listed on the United States Munitions List (USML).

If your company manufactures, exports, or brokers defense articles or services, ITAR compliance is not optional - it’s the law.

Why ITAR Matters

National Security - The ITAR ensures that sensitive military technologies and information do not fall into the wrong hands. It protects U.S. interests and allies by controlling who can access defense-related products and data.
Legal Compliance - Violating the ITAR can result in severe penalties, including multi-million-dollar fines, loss of export privileges, and even criminal charges. For manufacturers, non-compliance can mean the end of business with defense contractors.
Market Access - Being ITAR-registered opens doors to high-value contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense and major defense primes. It signals to partners that your company meets the highest standards of security and accountability.

What It Means to Be an ITAR-Compliant Manufacturer

At AB Precision, we are proud to be an ITAR-registered manufacturer. This means:

We are registered with the DDTC.
We follow strict protocols for handling controlled technical data.
Our team is trained in ITAR compliance and export control regulations.
We maintain secure facilities and systems to protect sensitive information.

Who Needs to Be ITAR Compliant?

If your business is involved in any of the following, ITAR likely applies to you:

Manufacturing components for military aircraft, vehicles, or weapons
Exporting defense-related parts or technical data
Providing defense services to foreign entities
Working with subcontractors on U.S. defense contracts

Final Thoughts

ITAR compliance isn’t just a regulatory checkbox - it’s a commitment to national security, ethical manufacturing, and global responsibility. At AB Precision, we take that commitment seriously, ensuring every part we produce meets the highest standards of compliance and quality.

Need an ITAR-compliant manufacturing partner? Contact AB Precision today to learn how we can support your defense and aerospace projects with precision, integrity, and full regulatory compliance.

IMPORTANT - Regulations are constantly evolving and some systems may need to evolve with them to ensure compliance. Please allow us to verify our ability to handle the information category of your parts prior to sharing prints or technical data to quote.