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Federal laws restricting the commercial import and export of material goods, information and technology have been in place for decades, but the changes in the political, social and economic climate since the devastating events of 9/11 have brought about increasingly rigorous trades restrictions, as well as a far more zealous attitude of policing and enforcement. The International Traffic in Arms Regulations, also known as the ITAR agreement, put into effect by the Department of State and administered by its Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), helps to safeguard national security while furthering U.S. foreign policy objectives. Besides policing international commercial trade, ITAR also regulates the sharing of any information or materials related to defense and military technologies with any foreign person or entity, making such actions punishable by federal law unless the exchange has first received special exemption or authorization from the U.S. Department of State. Although the limits on information sharing imposed by the ITAR agreement technically do not apply to materials or information that is commonly taught in educational institutions, marketing or basic system descriptions, or information that is legitimately counted as public domain, these exemptions can be tricky because the ITAR retains the ability to retract them at any time if the material or information is re-categorized as a deemed export. In some cases, for example, a demonstration, briefing, or even the use of equipment within the confines of a corporate research or education facility, can become a deemed export if witnessed or used by a foreign national, regardless of company affiliation, employ or student status. In fact, a company could be seriously punished simply for the disclosure of certain types of technical information to a foreign national via: * phone
* fax
* email
* face-to-face communications
* training sessions
* tours
* meetings or conferences The ins and outs of the federal regulations on such interactions can be so complex that most companies find that the safest and most effective policy is to get professional assistance from an international trade compliance consultant. Consultant firms provide invaluable translation and navigation of the complicated trade compliance laws and regulations, and can literally save companies millions of dollars in fines, as well as potential criminal sentences for company board members. Working With an ITAR Consultant When you work with an ITAR consultant firm, you get more than a single agent on your side. Your company gains access to a powerful team of expert consultants who are highly skilled and experienced in identifying weaknesses in company trade compliance policy, strategies for dealing with problems as they arise and the ability to develop and implement sound trade compliance policies for future commerce. Good consultants do not consider the job complete until they have also provided guidance and training to company employees, allowing your in-house staff to better comprehend the complexities ITAR compliance, as well as the ongoing management of regulatory requirements. Given the current seriousness of ITAR infringement, the security of your company trade policies is well worth the time and money spent on a consultant. For more information about ITAR consultant, ITAR training, and import compliance services please visit Wearecompliant.com
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