State Dept. Issues First ITAR Reorganization Rule

The State Department this week released its long-awaited rule to reorganize and consolidate definitions, guidance and authorities in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, the first in a series of planned rules to restructure the ITAR. The interim final rule, released March 22 and effective Sept. 6, creates three new subparts outlining ITAR general information, general policies and processes, and definitions, a new structure that officials have said will improve the organization of the regulations. The agency is accepting public comments on the changes through May 9.

Officials for years have said they were “very close” to releasing the rule (see 2202100020), which will be followed by other editorial changes to the ITAR. Upcoming rules will consolidate ITAR exemptions and streamline licensing requirements and policies (see 2010220049).