Regulations last checked for updates: Nov 25, 2024
Title 22 - Foreign Relations last revised: Oct 28, 2024
§ 123.1 - Requirement for export or temporary import licenses.
(a) Any person who intends to export or to import temporarily a defense article must obtain the approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls prior to the export or temporary import, unless the export or temporary import qualifies for an exemption under the provisions of this subchapter. The applicant must be registered with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls pursuant to part 122 of this subchapter prior to submitting an application. Applications for unclassified exports and temporary imports must be submitted electronically. Applications for classified exports and classified temporary imports must be submitted via paper. Further guidance is provided on the Internet Web site of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. The application forms for export or temporary import are as follows:
(1) Unclassified permanent exports must be made on Form DSP-5;
(2) Unclassified temporary exports must be made on Form DSP-73;
(3) Unclassified temporary imports must be made on Form DSP-61; or
(4) Classified exports or temporary imports must be made on Form DSP-85.
(b) Applications for Department of State export or temporary import licenses for proposed exports or temporary imports of defense articles, including technical data, may include commodities, software, and technical data subject to the EAR if:
(1) The purchase documentation (e.g., purchase order, contract, letter of intent, or other appropriate documentation) includes both defense articles described on the U.S. Munitions List and items on the Commerce Control List;
(2) The commodities, software, and technical data subject to the EAR are for end-use in or with the U.S. Munitions List defense article(s) proposed for export; and
(3) The license application separately enumerates the commodities, software, and technical data subject to the EAR in a U.S. Munitions List “(x)” paragraph entry.
(c) As a condition to the issuance of a license or other approval, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls may require all pertinent documentation regarding the proposed transaction and proper completion of the application form as follows:
(1) Form DSP-5, DSP-61, DSP-73, and DSP-85 applications must have an entry in each block where space is provided for an entry. All requested information must be provided. Stating “Not Applicable” or “See Attached” is not acceptable. See the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls Internet Web site for additional guidance on the completion of a license application form;
(2) Attachments and supporting technical data or brochures should be submitted with the license application. All freight forwarders and U.S. consignors must be listed in the license application. See the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls Internet Web site for instructions and limitations on attaching documentation;
(3) Certification by an empowered official must accompany all application submissions (see § 126.13 of this subchapter);
(4) An application for a license for the permanent export of defense articles sold commercially must be accompanied by purchase documentation (e.g., purchase order, contract, letter of intent, or other appropriate documentation). In cases involving the Foreign Military Sales program, a copy of the relevant Letter of Offer and Acceptance is required, unless the procedures of § 126.4(c) or § 126.6 of this subchapter are followed;
(5) Form DSP-83, duly executed, must accompany all license applications for the permanent export of significant military equipment, including classified defense articles or classified technical data (see §§ 123.10 and 125.3 of this subchapter); and
(6) A statement concerning the payment of political contributions, fees, and commissions must accompany a permanent export application if the export involves defense articles or defense services valued in an amount of $500,000 or more and is being sold commercially to or for the use of the armed forces of a foreign country or international organization (see part 130 of this subchapter).
(d) Provisions for furnishing the type of defense services described in § 120.32 of this subchapter are contained in part 124 of this subchapter. Provisions for the export or temporary import of technical data and classified defense articles are contained in part 125 of this subchapter.
(e) A request for a license for the export of unclassified technical data (DSP-5) related to a classified defense article should specify any classified technical data or material that subsequently will be required for export in the event of a sale.
[58 FR 39299, July 22, 1993, as amended at 70 FR 50960, Aug. 29, 2005; 71 FR 20540, Apr. 21, 2006; 77 FR 22670, Apr. 17, 2012; 78 FR 22758, Apr. 16, 2013; 79 FR 61230, Oct. 10, 2014; 87 FR 16423, Mar. 23, 2022]
§ 123.2 - Import jurisdiction.
The Department of State regulates the temporary import of defense articles. Permanent imports of defense articles into the United States are regulated by the Department of the Justice's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives under the direction of the Attorney General (see 27 CFR parts 447, 478, 479, and 555).
[71 FR 20540, Apr. 21, 2006]
§ 123.3 - Temporary import licenses.
(a) A license (DSP-61) issued by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls is required for the temporary import and subsequent export of unclassified defense articles, unless exempted from this requirement pursuant to § 123.4. This requirement applies to:
(1) Temporary imports of unclassified defense articles that are to be returned directly to the country from which they were shipped to the United States;
(2) Temporary imports of unclassified defense articles in transit to a third country;
(b) A bond may be required as appropriate (see part 125 of this subchapter for license requirements for technical data and classified defense articles.)
(c) A DSP-61 license may be obtained by a U.S. importer in satisfaction of § 123.4(c)(4) of this subchapter. If a foreign exporter requires documentation for a permanent import, the U.S. importer must contact the Department of Justice's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the appropriate documentation. A DSP-61 will not be approved to support permanent import requirements.
[58 FR 39299, July 22, 1993, as amended at 71 FR 20540, Apr. 21, 2006; 77 FR 22670, Apr. 17, 2012]
§ 123.4 - Temporary import license exemptions.
(a) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the temporary import (and subsequent export) without a license, for a period of up to 4 years, of unclassified U.S.-origin defense items (including any items manufactured abroad pursuant to U.S. Government approval) if the item temporarily imported:
(1) Is serviced (e.g., inspection, testing, calibration or repair, including overhaul, reconditioning and one-to-one replacement of any defective items, parts or components, but excluding any modifications, enhancement, upgrade or other form of alteration or improvement that changes the basic performance of the item), and is subsequently returned to the country from which it was imported. Shipment may be made by the U.S. importer or a foreign government representative of the country from which the goods were imported; or
(2) Is to be enhanced, upgraded or incorporated into another item which has already been authorized by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls for permanent export; or
(3) Is imported for the purpose of exhibition, demonstration or marketing in the United States and is subsequently returned to the country from which it was imported; or
(4) Has been rejected for permanent import by the Department of Justice and is being returned to the country from which it was shipped; or
(5) Is approved for such import under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program pursuant to an executed U.S. Department of Defense Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA).
Note:
These Exceptions do not apply to shipments that transit the U.S. to or from Canada (see § 123.19 and § 126.5 of this subchapter for exceptions).
(b) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the temporary import (but not the subsequent export) without a license of unclassified defense articles that are to be incorporated into another article, or modified, enhanced, upgraded, altered, improved or serviced in any other manner that changes the basic performance or productivity of the article prior to being returned to the country from which they were shipped or prior to being shipped to a third country. A DSP-5 is required for the reexport of such unclassified defense articles after incorporation into another article, modification, enhancement, upgrading, alteration or improvement.
(c) Requirements. To use an exemption under § 123.4 (a) or (b), the following criteria must be met:
(1) The importer must meet the eligibility requirements set forth in § 120.16 of this subchapter;
(2) At the time of export, the ultimate consignee named on the Electronic Export Information (EEI) must be the same as the foreign consignee or end-user of record named at the time of import;
(3) A stated in § 126.1 of this subchapter, the temporary import must not be from or on behalf of a proscribed country, area, or person listed in that section unless an exception has been granted in accordance with § 126.3 of this subchapter; and
(4) The foreign exporter must not require documentation of U.S. Government approval of the temporary import. If the foreign exporter requires documentation for a temporary import that qualifies for an exemption under this subchapter, the U.S. importer will not be able to claim the exemption and is required to obtain a DSP-61 Application/License for Temporary Import of Unclassified Defense Articles.
(d) Procedures. To the satisfaction of the Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the importer and exporter must comply with the following procedures:
(1) At the time of temporary import—
(i) File and annotate the applicable U.S. Customs and Border Protection document (e.g., Form CF 3461, 7512, 7501, 7523 or 3311) to read: “This shipment is being imported in accordance with and under the authority of 22 CFR 123.4(a) (identify subsection),” and
(ii) Include, on the invoice or other appropriate documentation, a complete list and description of the defense article(s) being imported, including quantity and U.S. dollar value; and
(2) At the time of export, in accordance with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) procedures, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) registered and eligible exporter, or an agent acting on the filer's behalf, must electronically file the export information with CBP, identify 22 CFR 123.4 as the authority for the export, and provide, as requested by CBP, the entry document number or a copy of the CBP document under which the article was imported.
[58 FR 39299, July 22, 1993, as amended at 64 FR 17533, Apr. 12, 1999; 68 FR 61101, Oct. 27, 2003; 70 FR 50960, Aug. 29, 2005; 77 FR 16597, Mar. 21, 2012; 77 FR 22670, Apr. 17, 2012; 81 FR 54735, Aug. 17, 2016; 82 FR 17, Jan. 3, 2017; 87 FR 16423, Mar. 23, 2022]
§ 123.5 - Temporary export licenses.
(a) The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls may issue a license for the temporary export of unclassified defense articles (DSP-73). Such licenses are valid only if the article will be exported for a period of less than 4 years and will be returned to the United States and transfer of title will not occur during the period of temporary export. Accordingly, articles exported pursuant to a temporary export license may not be sold or otherwise permanently transferred to a foreign person while they are overseas under a temporary export license. A renewal of the license or other written approval must be obtained from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls if the article is to remain outside the United States beyond the period for which the license is valid.
(b) Requirements. Defense articles authorized for temporary export under this section may be shipped only from a port in the United States where a Port Director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection is available, or from a U.S. Post Office (see 39 CFR part 20), as appropriate. The license for temporary export must be presented to the Port Director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection who, upon verification, will endorse the exit column on the reverse side of the license. The license for temporary export must be electronically submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, unless electronic reporting of such information is unavailable, in which case U.S. Customs and Border Protection will issue instructions. In the event a physical license is required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the licensee is to retain the duly endorsed license for temporary export in accordance with § 123.22(b) of this subchapter. In the case of a military aircraft or vessel temporarily exported under its own power, evidence that the Department of State has duly authorized it to leave the United States must be readily available on board the aircraft or vessel.
(c) Any temporary export license for hardware that is used, regardless of whether the hardware was exported directly to the foreign destination or returned directly from the foreign destination, must be endorsed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in accordance with the procedures in § 123.22 of this subchapter.
[70 FR 50960, Aug. 29, 2005, as amended at 82 FR 17, Jan. 3, 2017]
§ 123.6 - Foreign trade zones and U.S. Customs and Border Protection bonded warehouses.
Foreign trade zones in the United States and U.S. Customs and Border Protection bonded warehouses are considered integral parts of the United States for the purpose of this subchapter. An export license is therefore not required for shipment between the United States and a foreign trade zone or a U.S. Customs and Border Protection bonded warehouse. In the case of classified defense articles, the provisions of the Department of Defense National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual will apply. An export license is required for all shipments of articles on the U.S. Munitions List from foreign trade zones and U.S. Customs and Border Protection bonded warehouses to foreign countries, regardless of how the articles reached the zone or warehouse.
[71 FR 20540, Apr. 21, 2006]
§ 123.7 - Exports to warehouses or distribution points outside the United States.
Unless the exemption under § 123.16(b)(1) is used, a license is required to export defense articles to a warehouse or distribution point outside the United States for subsequent resale and will normally be granted only if an agreement has been approved pursuant to § 124.14 of this subchapter.
§ 123.8 - Special controls on vessels, aircraft and satellites covered by the U.S. Munitions List.
(a) Transferring registration or control to a foreign person of any aircraft, vessel, or satellite on the U.S. Munitions List is an export for purposes of this subchapter and requires a license or written approval from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. This requirement applies whether the aircraft, vessel, or satellite is physically located in the United States or abroad.
(b) The registration in a foreign country of any aircraft, vessel or satellite covered by the U.S. Munitions List which is not registered in the United States but which is located in the United States constitutes an export. A license or written approval from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls is therefore required. Such transactions may also require the prior approval of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration or other agencies of the U.S. Government.
[71 FR 20540, Apr. 21, 2006]
§ 123.9 - Country of ultimate destination and approval of reexports or retransfers.
(a) The country designated as the country of ultimate destination on an application for an export license, or in an Electronic Export Information filing where an exemption is claimed under this subchapter, must be the country of ultimate end-use. The written approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls must be obtained before reselling, transferring, reexporting, retransferring, transshipping, or disposing of a defense article to any end-user, end-use, or destination other than as stated on the export license, or in the Electronic Export Information filing in cases where an exemption is claimed under this subchapter, except in accordance with the provisions of an exemption under this subchapter that explicitly authorizes the resell, transfer, reexport, retransfer, transshipment, or disposition of a defense article without such approval. Exporters must determine the specific end-user, end-use, and destination prior to submitting an application to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls or claiming an exemption under this subchapter.
Note to paragraph (a):
In making the aforementioned determination, a person is expected to review all readily available information, including information readily available to the public generally as well as information readily available from other parties to the transaction.
(b) The exporter, U.S. or foreign, must inform the end-user and all consignees that the defense articles being exported are subject to U.S. export laws and regulations as follows:
(1) The exporter must incorporate the following information as an integral part of the commercial invoice, whenever defense articles are to be shipped (exported in tangible form), retransferred (in tangible form), or reexported (in tangible form) pursuant to a license or other approval under this subchapter:
(i) The country of ultimate destination;
(ii) The end-user;
(iii) The license or other approval number or exemption citation; and
(iv) The following statement: “These items are controlled by the U.S. government and authorized for export only to the country of ultimate destination for use by the ultimate consignee or end-user(s) herein identified. They may not be resold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of, to any other country or to any person other than the authorized ultimate consignee or end-user(s), either in their original form or after being incorporated into other items, without first obtaining approval from the U.S. government or as otherwise authorized by U.S. law and regulations.”
Note to paragraph (b)(1)(iv):
The phrase “or as otherwise authorized by U.S. law and regulations” is included because U.S. regulations contain specific exemptions from licensing requirements (e.g., ITAR exemptions, and EAR license exceptions and No License Required designations) and allow for certain amounts of U.S. origin content in foreign made items (see 15 CFR 734).
(2) When exporting items subject to the EAR pursuant to a Department of State license or other approval, the U.S. exporter must also provide the end-user and consignees with the appropriate EAR classification information for each item. This includes the Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) or EAR99 designation.
(c) Any U.S. person or foreign person requesting written approval from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls for the reexport, retransfer, other disposition, or change in end-use, end-user, or destination of a defense article initially exported or transferred pursuant to a license or other written approval, or an exemption under this subchapter, must submit all the documentation required for a permanent export license (see § 123.1 of this subchapter) and shall also submit the following:
(1) The license number, written authorization, or exemption under which the defense article or defense service was previously authorized for export from the United States (Note: For exports under exemptions at § 126.16 or § 126.17 of this subchapter, the original end-use, program, project, or operation under which the item was exported must be identified.);
(2) A precise description, quantity, and value of the defense article or defense service;
(3) A description and identification of the new end-user, end-use, and destination; and
(4) With regard to any request for such approval relating to a defense article or defense service initially exported pursuant to an exemption contained in § 126.16 or § 126.17 of this subchapter, written request for the prior approval of the transaction from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls must be submitted: By the original U.S. exporter, provided a written request is received from a member of the Australian Community, as identified in § 126.16 of this subchapter, or the United Kingdom Community, as identified in § 126.17 of this subchapter (where such a written request includes a written certification from the member of the Australian Community or the United Kingdom Community providing the information set forth in § 126.17 of this subchapter); or by a member of the Australian Community or the United Kingdom Community, where such request provides the information set forth in this section. All persons must continue to comply with statutory and regulatory requirements outside of this subchapter concerning the import of defense articles and defense services or the possession or transfer of defense articles, including, but not limited to, regulations issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives found at 27 CFR parts 447, 478, and 479, which are unaffected by the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty between the United States and the United Kingdom and continue to apply fully to defense articles and defense services subject to either of the aforementioned treaties and the exemptions contained in § 126.17 of this subchapter.
(d) The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls may authorize reexport or retransfer of an item subject to the EAR provided that:
(1) The item was initially exported, reexported or transferred pursuant to a Department of State license or other approval;
(2) The item is for end-use in or with a defense article; and
(3) All requirements of paragraph (c) of this section are satisfied for the item subject to the EAR, as well as for the associated defense article.
(e) Reexports or retransfers of U.S.-origin components incorporated into a foreign defense article to NATO, NATO agencies, a government of a NATO country, or the governments of Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, or the Republic of Korea are authorized without the prior written approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, provided:
(1) The U.S.-origin components were previously authorized for export from the United States, either by a license, written authorization, or an exemption other than those described in either § 126.16 or § 126.17 of this subchapter;
(2) The U.S.-origin components are not significant military equipment, the items are not major defense equipment sold under contract in the amount of $25,000,000 ($25 million) or more; the articles are not defense articles or defense services sold under a contract in the amount of $100,000,000 ($100 million) or more; and are not identified in part 121 of this subchapter as Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) items; and
(3) The person reexporting the defense article provides written notification to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls of the retransfer not later than 30 days following the reexport. The notification must state the articles being reexported and the recipient government.
(4) The original license or other approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls did not include retransfer or reexport restrictions prohibiting use of this exemption.
[58 FR 39299, July 22, 1993, as amended at 71 FR 20541, Apr. 21, 2006; 73 FR 15885, Mar. 26, 2008; 73 FR 38343, Aug. 3, 2009; 77 FR 16597, Mar. 21, 2012; 78 FR 22759, Apr. 16, 2013; 78 FR 61755, Oct. 3, 2013; 81 FR 54735, Aug. 17, 2016; 87 FR 16423, Mar. 23, 2022]
§ 123.10 - Nontransfer and use assurances.
(a) A nontransfer and use certificate (i.e., Form DSP-83) is required for the export of significant military equipment and classified articles, including classified technical data, pursuant to a license or other authorization, except for the exemptions in §§ 126.5 and 126.7 of this subchapter. A license will not be issued until a completed Form DSP-83 has been received by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. This form is to be executed by the foreign consignee, foreign end-user, and the applicant. The certificate stipulates that, except as specifically authorized by prior written approval of the Department of State, the foreign consignee and foreign end-user will not reexport, resell, or otherwise dispose of the significant military equipment enumerated in the application outside the country named as the location of the foreign end-use or to any other person.
(b) The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls may also require a DSP-83 for the export of any other defense articles, including technical data, or defense services.
(c) When a DSP-83 is required for an export of any defense article or defense service to a non-governmental foreign end-user, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls may require as a condition of issuing the license that the appropriate authority of the government of the country of ultimate destination also execute the certificate.
[71 FR 20541, Apr. 21, 2006, as amended at 89 FR 67290, Aug. 20, 2024]
§ 123.11 - Movements of vessels and aircraft covered by the U.S. Munitions List outside the United States.
(a) A license issued by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls is required whenever a privately-owned aircraft or vessel on the U.S. Munitions List makes a voyage outside the United States.
(b) Exemption. An export license is not required when a vessel or aircraft referred to in paragraph (a) of this section departs from the United States and does not enter the territorial waters or airspace of a foreign country if no defense articles are carried as cargo. Such a vessel or aircraft may not enter the territorial waters or airspace of a foreign country before returning to the United States, or carry as cargo any defense article, without a temporary export license (Form DSP-73) from the Department of State. (See § 123.5.)
[58 FR 39299, July 22, 1993, as amended at 71 FR 20541, Apr. 21, 2006]
§ 123.12 - Shipments between U.S. possessions.
An export license is not required for the shipment of defense articles between the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and U.S. possessions. A license is required, however, for the export of defense articles from these areas to foreign countries.
§ 123.13 - Domestic aircraft shipments via a foreign country.
A license is not required for the shipment by air of a defense article from one location in the United States to another location in the United States via a foreign country.
[81 FR 54736, Aug. 17, 2016]
§ 123.14 - Import certificate/delivery verification procedure.
(a) The Import Certificate/Delivery Verification Procedure is designed to assure that a commodity imported into the territory of those countries participating in IC/DV procedures will not be diverted, transshipped, or reexported to another destination except in accordance with export control regulations of the importing country.
(b) Exports. The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls may require the IC/DV procedure on proposed exports of defense articles to non-government entities in those countries participating in IC/DV procedures. In such cases, U.S. exporters must submit both an export license application (the completed Form DSP-5) and the original Import Certificate, which must be provided and authenticated by the government of the importing country. This document verifies that the foreign importer complied with the import regulations of the government of the importing country and that the importer declared the intention not to divert, transship or reexport the material described therein without the prior approval of that government. After delivery of the commodities to the foreign consignee, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls may also require U.S. exporters to furnish Delivery Verification documentation from the government of the importing country. This documentation verifies that the delivery was in accordance with the terms of the approved export license. Both the Import Certificate and the Delivery Verification must be furnished to the U.S. exporter by the foreign importer.
(c) Triangular transactions. When a transaction involves three or more countries that have adopted the IC/DV procedure, the governments of these countries may stamp a triangular symbol on the Import Certificate. This symbol is usually placed on the Import Certificate when the applicant for the Import Certificate (the importer) states either (1) that there is uncertainty whether the items covered by the Import Certificate will be imported into the country issuing the Import Certificate; (2) that he or she knows that the items will not be imported into the country issuing the Import Certificate; or (3) that, if the items are to be imported into the country issuing the Import Certificate, they will subsequently be reexported to another destination. All parties, including the ultimate consignee in the country of ultimate destination, must be shown on the completed Import Certificate.
[58 FR 39299, July 22, 1993, as amended at 71 FR 20541, Apr. 21, 2006]
§ 123.15 - Congressional certification pursuant to Section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act.
(a) The Arms Export Control Act requires that a certification be provided to the Congress prior to the granting of any license or other approval for transactions, in the amounts described below, involving exports of any defense articles and defense services and for exports of major defense equipment, as defined in § 120.37 of this subchapter. Approvals may not be granted when the Congress has enacted a joint resolution prohibiting the export. Certification is required for any transaction involving:
(1) A license for the export of major defense equipment sold under a contract in the amount of $14,000,000 or more, or for defense articles and defense services sold under a contract in the amount of $50,000,000 or more, to any country that is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), or Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, or the Republic of Korea that does not authorize a new sales territory; or
(2) A license for export to a country that is a member country of NATO, or Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, or the Republic of Korea, of major defense equipment sold under a contract in the amount of $25,000,000 or more, or for defense articles and defense services sold under a contract in the amount of $100,000,000 or more, and provided the transfer does not include any other countries; or
(3) A license for export of defense articles controlled under Category I paragraphs (a) through (g) of the United States Munitions List, § 121.1 of this subchapter, in an amount of $1,000,000 or more.
(b) Unless an emergency exists which requires the final export in the national security interests of the United States, approval may not be granted for any transaction until at least 15 calendar days have elapsed after receipt by the Congress of the certification required by 22 U.S.C. 2776(c)(1) involving NATO, or Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, or the Republic of Korea or at least 30 calendar days have elapsed for any other country; in the case of a license for an export of a commercial communications satellite for launch from, and by nationals of, the Russian Federation, Ukraine, or Kazakhstan, until at least 15 calendar days after the Congress receives such certification.
(c) Persons who intend to export defense articles and defense services pursuant to any exemption in this subchapter under the circumstances described in this section must provide written notification to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls and include a signed contract and a DSP-83 signed by the applicant, the foreign consignee and the end-user.
[70 FR 34654, June 15, 2005, as amended at 73 FR 38343, Aug. 3, 2009; 77 FR 16598, Mar. 21, 2012; 85 FR 3832, Jan. 23, 2020; 87 FR 16424, Mar. 23, 2022]
§ 123.16 - Exemptions of general applicability.
(a) The following exemptions apply to exports of unclassified defense articles for which no approval is needed from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. These exemptions do not apply to: Proscribed destinations under § 126.1 of this subchapter; exports for which Congressional notification is required (see § 123.15 of this subchapter); MTCR articles; Significant Military Equipment (SME); and may not be used by persons who are generally ineligible as described in § 120.16 of this subchapter. All shipments of defense articles, including but not limited to those to Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, require an Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing or notification letter. If the export of a defense article is exempt from licensing, the EEI filing must cite the exemption. Refer to § 123.22 of this subchapter for EEI filing and letter notification requirements.
(b) The following exports are exempt from the licensing requirements of this subchapter.
(1) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the export without a license of defense hardware being exported in furtherance of a manufacturing license agreement, technical assistance agreement, distribution agreement or an arrangement for distribution of items identified in Category XIII(b)(1), approved in accordance with part 124, provided that:
(i) The defense hardware to be exported supports the activity and is identified by item, quantity and value in the agreement or arrangement; and
(ii) Any provisos or limitations placed on the authorized agreement or arrangement are adhered to; and
(iii) The exporter identifies in the EEI filing by selecting the appropriate code that the export is exempt from the licensing requirements of this subchapter; and
(iv) The total value of all shipments does not exceed the value authorized in the agreement or arrangement.
(v) In the case of a distribution agreement, export must be made directly to the approved foreign distributor.
(2) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the export of parts or components without a license when the total value does not exceed $500 in a single transaction and:
(i) The components or spare parts are being exported to support a defense article previously authorized for export; and
(ii) The spare parts or components are not going to a distributor, but to a previously approved end-user of the defense articles; and
(iii) The spare parts or components are not to be used to enhance the capability of the defense article;
(iv) Exporters shall not split orders so as not to exceed the dollar value of this exemption;
(v) The exporter may not make more than 24 shipments per calendar year to the previously authorized end user;
(vi) The exporter must certify on the invoice, the bill of lading, air waybill, or shipping documents that the export is exempt from the licensing requirements of this subchapter. This is done by writing “22 CFR 123.16(b)(2) applicable.”
(3) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the export without a license, of packing cases specially designed to carry defense articles.
(4) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the export without a license, of unclassified models or mock-ups of defense articles, provided that such models or mock-ups are inoperable and do not reveal any technical data in excess of that which is exempted from the licensing requirements of § 125.4(b) of this subchapter and do not contain components (see § 120.40(c) of this subchapter) covered by the U.S. Munitions List (see § 121.1 of this subchapter). Some models or mockups built to scale or constructed of original materials can reveal technical data. U.S. persons who avail themselves of this exemption must electronically submit a certification to U.S. Customs and Border Protection that these conditions are met, unless directed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to provide such a certification in another manner. This exemption does not imply that the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls will approve the export of any defense articles for which models or mocks-ups have been exported pursuant to this exemption.
(5) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the temporary export without a license of unclassified defense articles to any public exhibition, trade show, air show or related event if that article has previously been licensed for a public exhibition, trade show, air show or related event and the license is still valid. U.S. persons who avail themselves of this exemption must electronically submit a certification to U.S. Customs and Border Protection that these conditions are met, unless directed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to provide such a certification in another manner.
(6) For exemptions for personal protective gear, refer to § 123.17.
(7) [Reserved]
(8) For exports to Canada refer to § 126.5 of this subchapter.
(9) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the temporary export without a license by a U.S. person of any unclassified component, part, tool or test equipment to a subsidiary, affiliate or facility owned or controlled by the U.S. person (see § 120.65 of this subchapter for definition of foreign ownership and foreign control) if the component, part, tool or test equipment is to be used for manufacture, assembly, testing, production, or modification provided:
(i) The U.S. person is registered with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls and complies with all requirements set forth in part 122 of this subchapter;
(ii) No defense article exported under this exemption may be sold or transferred without the appropriate license or other approval from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
(10) [Reserved]
[58 FR 39299, July 22, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 29951, June 10, 1994; 59 FR 45622, Sept. 2, 1994; 67 FR 15100, Mar. 29, 2002; 70 FR 50961, Aug. 29, 2005; 71 FR 20541, Apr. 21, 2006; 76 FR 45197, July 28, 2011; 77 FR 16598, Mar. 21, 2012; 78 FR 40631, July 8, 2013; 79 FR 61230, Oct. 10, 2014; 79 FR 66609, Nov. 10, 2014; 82 FR 17, Jan. 3, 2017; 85 FR 3832, Jan. 23, 2020; 87 FR 16424, Mar. 23, 2022]
§ 123.17 - Exemption for personal protective gear.
(a)-(e) [Reserved]
(f) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shall permit U.S. persons to export temporarily from the United States without a license one set of body armor covered by U.S. Munitions List Category X(a)(1), which may include one helmet covered by U.S. Munitions List Category X(a)(6), or one set of chemical agent protective gear covered by U.S. Munitions List Category XIV(f)(4), which may include one additional filter canister, provided:
(1) The person declares the articles to a CBP officer upon each departure from the United States, presents the Internal Transaction Number from submission of the export information through CBP's electronic system(s) per § 123.22 (unless electronic reporting of such information is unavailable, in which case U.S. Customs and Border Protection will issue instructions), and the articles are presented to the CBP officer for inspection;
(2) The body armor, which may include a helmet, or chemical agent protective gear, which may include one additional filter canister, to be exported is with the individual's baggage or effects, whether accompanied or unaccompanied (but not mailed); and
(3) The body armor, which may include a helmet, or chemical agent protective gear, which may include one additional filter canister, to be exported is for that person's exclusive use and not for reexport or other transfer of ownership. The person must declare it is his intention to return the article(s) to the United States at the end of tour, contract, or assignment for which the articles were temporarily exported.
(g) The license exemption set forth in paragraph (f) of this section is available for the temporary export of body armor or chemical agent protective gear for personal use to countries listed in § 126.1 of this subchapter provided:
(1) The conditions in paragraph (f) of this section are met; and
(2) The person is affiliated with the U.S. Government traveling on official business or is traveling in support of a U.S. Government contract. The person shall electronically submit documentation to this effect, along with the Internal Transaction Number from U.S. Customs and Border Protection's electronic system(s), unless electronic reporting of such information is unavailable, in which case U.S. Customs and Border Protection will issue instructions.
(h) The license exemption set forth in paragraph (f) of this section is available for the temporary export of body armor, which may include a helmet, or chemical agent protective gear, which may include one additional filter canister, for personal use to Iraq, provided the conditions in paragraph (f) are met, and the person is either affiliated with the U.S. Government traveling on official business or is traveling in support of a U.S. Government contract, or is traveling to Iraq under a direct authorization by the Government of Iraq and engaging in activities for, on behalf of, or at the request of, the Government of Iraq. The person shall electronically submit documentation to this effect, along with the Internal Transaction Number using U.S. Customs and Border Protection's electronic system(s), unless electronic reporting of such information is unavailable, in which case U.S. Customs and Border Protection will issue instructions. Documentation regarding direct authorization from the Government of Iraq shall include an English translation.
(i) The license exemption set forth in paragraph (f) of this section is available for the temporary export of body armor, which may include a helmet, or chemical agent protective gear, which may include one additional filter canister, for personal use to Afghanistan, provided the conditions in paragraph (f) are met.
(j) If the articles temporarily exported pursuant to paragraphs (f) through (i) of this section are not returned to the United States, a detailed report must be submitted to the Office of Defense Trade Controls Compliance in accordance with the requirements of § 127.12(c)(2) of this subchapter.
(k) To use the exemptions in this section, individuals are not required to be registered with the Department of State (the registration requirement is described in part 122 of this subchapter). All other entities must be registered and eligible, as provided in §§ 120.15(d) and 120.16(c) and part 122 of this subchapter.
[58 FR 39299, July 22, 1993, as amended at 64 FR 17534, Apr. 12, 1999; 70 FR 50962, Aug. 29, 2005; 71 FR 20541, Apr. 21, 2006; 74 FR 39213, Aug. 6, 2009; 77 FR 25867, May 2, 2012; 78 FR 40631, July 8, 2013; 82 FR 18, Jan. 3, 2017; 85 FR 3832, Jan. 23, 2020; 87 FR 16424, Mar. 23, 2022]
§ 123.18 - [Reserved]
§ 123.19 - Canadian and Mexican border shipments.
A shipment originating in Canada or Mexico which incidentally transits the United States en route to a delivery point in the same country that originated the shipment is exempt from the requirement for an in transit license.
§ 123.20 - [Reserved]
§ 123.21 - Duration, renewal, and disposition of licenses.
(a) A license is valid for four years. The license expires when the total value or quantity authorized has been shipped or when the date of expiration has been reached, whichever occurs first. Defense articles to be shipped thereafter require a new application and license. The new application should refer to the expired license. It should not include references to any defense articles other than those of the unshipped balance of the expired license.
(b) Unused, expired, suspended, or revoked licenses must be handled in accordance with § 123.22(c) of this subchapter.
[58 FR 39299, July 22, 1993, as amended at 76 FR 68312, Nov. 4, 2011]
§ 123.22 - Filing, retention, and return of export licenses and filing of export information.
(a) Any export, as defined in this subchapter, of a defense article controlled by this subchapter, to include defense articles transiting the United States, requires the electronic reporting of export information. The reporting of the export information shall be to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection using its electronic system(s), or directly to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), as appropriate. Before the export of any hardware, via a license or other authorization, the DDTC registered applicant/exporter, or an agent acting on the filer's behalf, must electronically submit export information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, unless electronic reporting is unavailable, in which case U.S. Customs and Border Protection will issue instructions (see paragraph (b) of this section). In addition to electronically providing the export information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection before export, all mandatory supporting documentation (e.g., attachments, certifications, proof of filing in U.S. Customs and Border Protection's system(s) such as the Internal Transaction Number (ITN)) must be submitted electronically, unless electronic reporting of such information is unavailable, in which case U.S. Customs and Border Protection will issue instructions.
(1) If necessary, an export may be made through a port other than the one designated on the license if the exporter complies with the procedures established by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
(2) When a defense article is temporarily exported from the United States and subsequently moved from one destination authorized on a license to another destination authorized on the same or another temporary license, the applicant, or an agent acting on the applicant's behalf, must ensure that U.S. Customs and Border Protection decrements both temporary licenses to show the exit and entry of the hardware.
(b) Filing and reporting of export information—(1) Filing of export information with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Before exporting any hardware controlled by this subchapter using a license or exemption, the DDTC registered applicant/exporter, or an agent acting on the filer's behalf, must electronically file the export information with U.S. Customs and Border Protection in accordance with the following timelines:
(i) Air or truck shipments. The export information must be electronically filed at least 8 hours prior to departure.
(ii) Sea or rail Shipments. The export information must be electronically filed at least 24 hours prior to departure.
(2) Emergency shipments of hardware that cannot meet the pre-departure filing requirements. U.S. Customs and Border Protection may permit an emergency export of hardware by truck or air by a U.S. registered person when the exporter is unable to comply with the Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing timeline in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section. The applicant, or an agent acting on the applicant's behalf, must provide documentation required by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and this subchapter. The documentation provided to U.S. Customs and Border Protection must include the Internal Transaction Number (ITN) for the shipment and must be accompanied by an explanation for urgency. The export filing via U.S. Customs and Border Protection's electronic system(s) must be made at least two hours prior to any departure by air from the United States. When shipping via ground, the filing in U.S. Customs and Border Protection's electronic system(s) must be made when the exporter provides the articles to the carrier or at least one hour prior to departure from the United States, when the permanent export of the hardware has been authorized for export:
(i) In accordance with § 126.4 of this subchapter, or
(ii) On a valid license, and the ultimate recipient and ultimate end-user identified on the license is a foreign government.
(3) Reporting of export information on technical data and defense service. When an export is being made using a DDTC authorization (e.g., technical data license, agreement or a technical data exemption provided in this subchapter), the DDTC registered exporter will retain the license or other approval and provide the export information electronically to DDTC as follows:
(i) Technical data license. Prior to the permanent export of technical data licensed using a Form DSP-5, the applicant shall electronically provide export information using the system for direct electronic reporting to DDTC of export information and self-validate the original of the license. Exports of copies of the licensed technical data should be made in accordance with existing exemptions in this subchapter. Should an exemption not apply, the applicant may request a new license.
(ii) Manufacturing license and technical assistance agreements. Prior to the initial export of any technical data and defense services authorized in an agreement the U.S. agreement holder must electronically inform DDTC that exports have begun. In accordance with this subchapter, all subsequent exports of technical data and services are not required to be filed electronically with DDTC except when the export is done using a U.S. Port. Records of all subsequent exports of technical data shall be maintained by the exporter in accordance with this subchapter and shall be made immediately available to DDTC upon request. Exports of technical data in furtherance of an agreement using a U.S. Port shall be made in accordance with § 125.4 of this subchapter and made in accordance with the procedures in paragraph (b)(3)(iii) of this section.
(iii) Technical data and defense service exemptions. In any instance when technical data is exported using an exemption in this subchapter (e.g., §§ 125.4(b)(2), 125.4(b)(4), 126.5) from a U.S. port, the exporter must provide the export data electronically to DDTC. A copy of the electronic notification to DDTC must accompany the technical data shipment and be made available to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon request.
Note to paragraph (b)(3)(iii):
Future changes to the electronic reporting procedure will be amended by publication of a rule in the Federal Register. Exporters are reminded to continue maintaining records of all export transactions, including exemption shipments, in accordance with this subchapter.
(c) Return of licenses. Licenses issued by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls are subject to return requirements as follows:
(1) A license issued electronically by DDTC and electronically decremented by U.S. Customs and Border Protection through its electronic system(s) is not required to be returned to DDTC. A copy of the license must be maintained by the applicant in accordance with § 122.5 of this subchapter.
(2) Licenses issued by DDTC but not decremented by U.S. Customs and Border Protection through its electronic system(s) (e.g., oral or visual technical data releases) must be maintained by the applicant in accordance with § 122.5 of this subchapter.
(3) A license issued by DDTC but not used by the applicant does not need to be returned to DDTC, even when expired.
(4) A license revoked by DDTC is considered expired and must be handled in accordance with paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section.
[68 FR 61101, Oct. 27, 2003, as amended at 70 FR 50962, Aug. 29, 2005; 76 FR 68312, Nov. 4, 2011; 77 FR 16599, Mar. 21, 2012; 82 FR 18, Jan. 3, 2017; 83 FR 50007, Oct. 4, 2018]
§ 123.23 - Monetary value of shipments.
Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the shipment of defense articles identified on any license when the total value of the export does not exceed the aggregate monetary value (not quantity) stated on the license by more than ten percent, provided that the additional monetary value does not make the total value of the license or other approval for the export of any major defense equipment sold under a contract reach $14,000,000 or more, and provided that the additional monetary value does not make defense articles or defense services sold under a contract reach the amount of $50,000,000 or more.
[70 FR 50963, Aug. 29, 2005]
§ 123.24 - Shipments by U.S. Postal Service.
(a) The export of any defense hardware using a license or exemption in this subchapter by the U.S. Postal Service must be filed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection using its electronic system(s) and the license must be filed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection before any hardware is actually sent abroad by mail. The exporter must certify the defense hardware being exported in accordance with this subchapter by clearly marking on the package: “This export is subject to the controls of the ITAR, 22 CFR (identify section for an exemption) or (state license number) and the export has been electronically filed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.”
(b) The export of any technical data using a license in this subchapter by the U.S. Postal Service must be notified electronically directly to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). The exporter, using either a license or exemption, must certify, by clearly marking on the package, “This export is subject to the controls of the ITAR, 22 CFR (identify section for an exemption) or (state license number).” For those exports using a license, the exporter must also state “The export has been electronically notified directly to DDTC.” The license must be returned to DDTC upon completion of the use of the license (see § 123.22(c)).
[68 FR 61102, Oct. 27, 2003, as amended at 70 FR 50963, Aug. 29, 2005; 82 FR 19, Jan. 3, 2017]
§ 123.25 - Amendments to licenses.
(a) The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls may approve an amendment to a license for permanent export, temporary export and temporary import of unclassified defense articles. A suggested format is available from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
(b) The following types of amendments to a license will be considered: Addition of U.S. freight forwarder or U.S. consignor; change due to an obvious typographical error; change in source of commodity; and change of foreign intermediate consignee if that party is only transporting the equipment and will not process (e.g., integrate, modify) the equipment. For changes in U.S. dollar value see § 123.23.
(c) The following types of amendments to a license will not be approved: Additional quantity, changes in commodity, country of ultimate destination, end-use or end-user, foreign consignee and/or extension of duration. The foreign intermediate consignee may only be amended if that party is acting as freight forwarder and the export does not involve technical data. A new license is required for these changes. Any new license submission must reflect only the unshipped balance of quantity and dollar value.
[58 FR 39299, July 22, 1993, as amended at 71 FR 20542, Apr. 21, 2006; 77 FR 22671, Apr. 17, 2012]
§ 123.26 - [Reserved]
§ 123.27 - Special licensing regime for export to U.S. allies of commercial communications satellite components, systems, parts, accessories, attachments and associated technical data.
(a) U.S. persons engaged in the business of exporting specifically designed or modified components, systems, parts, accessories, attachments, associated equipment and certain associated technical data for commercial communications satellites, and who are so registered with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls pursuant to part 122 of this subchapter, may submit license applications for multiple permanent and temporary exports and temporary imports of such articles for expeditious consideration without meeting the documentary requirements of § 123.1(c)(4) and (5) concerning purchase orders, letters of intent, contracts and non-transfer and end use certificates, or the documentary requirements of § 123.9, concerning approval of re-exports or re-transfers, when all of the following requirements are met:
(1) The proposed exports or re-exports concern exclusively one or more countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and/or one or more countries which have been designated in accordance with section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and with section 1206 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 as a major non-NATO ally.
(2) The proposed exports concern exclusively one or more foreign persons (e.g., companies or governments) located within the territories of the countries identified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and one or more commercial communications satellite programs included within a list of such persons and programs approved by the U.S. Government for purposes of this section, as signified in a list of such persons and programs that will be publicly available through the Internet Web site of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls and by other means.
(3) The articles are not major defense equipment sold under a contract in the amount of $14,000,000 or more or defense articles or defense services sold under a contract in the amount of $50,000,000 or more (for which purpose, as is customary, exporters may not split contracts or purchase orders). Items meeting these statutory thresholds must be submitted on a separate license application to permit the required notification to Congress pursuant to section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act.
(4) The articles are not detailed design, development, manufacturing or production data and do not involve the manufacture abroad of significant military equipment.
(5) The U.S. exporter provides complete shipment information to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls within 15 days of shipment by submitting a report containing a description of the item and the quantity, value, port of exit, and end-user and country of destination of the item, and at that time meets the documentary requirements of § 123.1(c)(4) and (5), the documentary requirements of § 123.9 in the case of re-exports or re-transfers, and, other documentary requirements that may be imposed as a condition of a license (e.g., parts control plans for MTCR-controlled items). The shipment information reported must include a description of the item and quantity, value, port of exit and end user and country of destination of the item.
(6) At any time in which an item exported pursuant to this section is proposed for re-transfer outside of the approved territory, programs or persons (e.g., such as in the case of an item included in a satellite for launch beyond the approved territory), the detailed requirements of § 123.9 apply with regard to obtaining the prior written consent of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
(b) The re-export or re-transfer of the articles authorized for export (including to specified re-export destinations) in accordance with this section do not require the separate prior written approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls provided all of the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section are met.
(c) The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls will consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests to include additional foreign companies and satellite programs within the geographic coverage of a license application submitted pursuant to this section from countries not otherwise covered, who are members of the European Space Agency or the European Union. In no case, however, can the provisions of this section apply or be relied upon by U.S. exporters in the case of countries who are subject to the mandatory requirements of Section 1514 of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (Pub. L. 105-261), concerning national security controls on satellite export licensing.
(d) Registered U.S. exporters may request at the time of a license application submitted pursuant to this section that additional foreign persons or communications satellite programs be added to the lists referred to in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, which additions, if approved, will be included within the publicly available lists of authorized recipients and programs.
[65 FR 34091, May 26, 2000, as amended at 67 FR 58988, Sept. 19, 2002; 69 FR 40314, July 2, 2004; 70 FR 50963, Aug. 29, 2005; 71 FR 20542, Apr. 21, 2006; 87 FR 16424, Mar. 23, 2022]
§ 123.28 - Scope of a license.
Unless limited by a condition set out in a license, the export, reexport, retransfer, or temporary import authorized by a license is for the item(s), end-use(s), and parties described in the license application and any letters of explanation. DDTC grants licenses in reliance on representations the applicant made in or submitted in connection with the license application, letters of explanation, and other documents submitted.
[81 FR 35616, June 3, 2016]
authority: Secs. 2, 38, and 71, Pub. L. 90-629, 90 Stat. 744 (
22 U.S.C. 2752,
2778,
2797;
22 U.S.C. 2753;
22 U.S.C. 2651a;
22 U.S.C. 2776; Pub. L. 105-261, 112 Stat. 1920; Sec. 1205(a), Pub. L. 107-228; Sec. 520, Pub. L. 112-55; Section 1261, Pub. L. 112-239; E.O. 13637, 78 FR 16129
source: 58 FR 39299, July 22, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 22 CFR 123.22