ITAR Consultant | Certify Consulting | ITAR Compliance Expert

Understanding the Regulations

What is ITAR?

The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are a set of United States government regulations that control the export and import of defense-related articles and services on the United States Munitions List (USML). Administered by the State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), ITAR governs who can access defense articles, defense services, and technical data — and under what conditions.

ITAR applies to manufacturers, exporters, brokers, and anyone who handles items classified under the USML. This includes physical defense articles such as firearms and military vehicles, as well as intangible items like technical data, blueprints, software source code, and engineering specifications related to defense technologies.

Non-compliance with ITAR carries severe consequences. Penalties can exceed $1 million per violation in civil fines, with criminal penalties including up to $1 million and 20 years of imprisonment per violation. Companies may also face debarment from future government contracts — effectively shutting them out of the defense industry entirely.

ITAR compliance isn't optional for companies working with defense articles. Whether you're a prime contractor, subcontractor, or supplier — if your products or data touch the USML, you need a robust ITAR compliance program.

Industries We Serve

Who Needs ITAR Compliance?

If your company manufactures, exports, or handles defense articles, services, or technical data, ITAR compliance is required by federal law.

Defense Contractors & Subcontractors

Prime contractors and their supply chain partners manufacturing defense articles or providing defense services under government contracts.

Aerospace Manufacturers

Companies designing, manufacturing, or maintaining aerospace components, satellite systems, and related technologies covered by the USML.

Firearms & Ammunition Companies

Manufacturers and exporters of firearms, ammunition, and related components classified under USML Categories I through IV.

Military Technology & Electronics

Companies developing military electronics, guidance systems, night vision, radar, and other controlled defense technologies.

Universities & Research Institutions

Academic institutions and research labs with defense contracts or projects involving ITAR-controlled technical data and technologies.

USML Exporters

Any company exporting items, technical data, or defense services classified on the United States Munitions List, including brokers and freight forwarders.

Our Proven Process

Our ITAR Compliance Process

A structured, proven methodology that guides your company to full ITAR compliance — with zero guesswork and no wasted effort.

1

ITAR Gap Assessment

Comprehensive review of your current practices against ITAR requirements. We identify gaps, risks, and build a clear roadmap to full compliance.

2

USML Classification

Classify your products, technical data, and defense services against the United States Munitions List. Jurisdictional analysis to determine ITAR vs. EAR coverage.

3

DDTC Registration

Prepare and submit your registration with the State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls — a mandatory step for all ITAR-regulated entities.

4

Compliance Program Development

Written ITAR compliance procedures tailored to your organization. Policies, SOPs, record-keeping requirements, and management responsibilities.

5

Technology Control Plan

Develop physical security and cybersecurity controls for ITAR-controlled technical data. Visitor access, IT protections, and facility security measures.

6

Employee Training

ITAR awareness training for all employees and role-specific training for key personnel. Online and live sessions to ensure your team understands their obligations.

7

Internal Audits

Pre-audit readiness assessments to verify your compliance program is operating effectively. Identify and correct issues before they become violations.

8

Ongoing Compliance Support

Maintain your ITAR compliance long-term. Handle amendments, registration renewals, regulatory updates, and continuous improvement of your program.

The Certify Advantage

Why Choose Certify Consulting for ITAR?

Certify Consulting brings deep expertise in regulated industries to every ITAR engagement. Led by Jared Clark, our team understands the unique challenges defense and aerospace companies face when navigating federal compliance requirements.

We've helped defense contractors, aerospace manufacturers, and technology companies build robust ITAR compliance programs from the ground up. Our approach is practical, not theoretical — we work alongside your team to implement real controls that satisfy DDTC requirements while keeping your operations efficient.

With a proven track record across 200+ regulated industry clients and a 100% audit pass rate, we bring the experience and discipline needed to get your ITAR compliance program right the first time.

What Sets Us Apart

Deep understanding of USML categories and jurisdictional analysis
DDTC registration and licensing support
Technology Control Plans for classified and CUI data
Employee training programs (online and live)
200+ clients served across regulated industries
100% audit pass rate

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about ITAR compliance and how our consulting services work.

What does an ITAR consultant do?

An ITAR consultant helps companies understand and comply with export control regulations for defense articles and services under the Arms Export Control Act. This includes USML classification, DDTC registration, developing Technology Control Plans, employee training, and ongoing compliance program management.

How long does ITAR compliance take?

ITAR compliance typically takes 3 to 6 months depending on company size, product complexity, and existing compliance infrastructure. Companies with mature quality or export control systems may achieve compliance faster, while those starting from scratch may need additional time to build the required programs and controls.

What are the penalties for ITAR violations?

ITAR violations carry severe consequences: civil fines up to $500,000 per violation, criminal penalties up to $1,000,000 and 20 years imprisonment, and debarment from future government contracts. The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) actively investigates and enforces these penalties against companies of all sizes.

Do I need ITAR compliance if I only sell domestically?

Yes, if you manufacture, broker, or export items on the United States Munitions List (USML). Even domestic transfers of technical data to foreign persons — including foreign national employees within your own company — require ITAR compliance. Any company involved with defense articles or services should evaluate their ITAR obligations regardless of whether they export.

What is a Technology Control Plan?

A Technology Control Plan (TCP) is a documented plan for protecting ITAR-controlled technical data. It includes physical security measures such as restricted areas and locked storage, cybersecurity controls for IT systems and networks, visitor access protocols, and procedures for handling controlled information. A TCP is essential for any facility handling ITAR-regulated technical data.

Ready to Achieve ITAR Compliance?

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation. We'll assess your current compliance posture, outline a clear path to ITAR compliance, and answer all your questions — no obligation.

Schedule Free Consultation Call 858-240-4353

Or email us at [email protected]