Description

International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR): Overview & Key Concepts

Companies involved in defense-related products, technology, software, or services face a complex set of U.S. export control requirements. The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) govern the export and temporary import of defense articles, technical data, and defense services and can apply to a wide range of activities, including sharing controlled technical information with foreign persons. This session provides a practical overview of the ITAR and the foundational concepts organizations need to understand when evaluating their export control responsibilities. Participants will learn how the ITAR is structured, what products and activities may fall within its scope, and how to begin identifying potential compliance requirements and risks within their organizations. 

Topics will include:

- Overview of the ITAR and the U.S. export control framework 

- Key ITAR terminology and concepts 

- Understanding ITAR jurisdiction and applicability 

- Defense articles, technical data, and defense services 

- Understanding the U.S. Munitions List (USML) 

- Who and what may be subject to ITAR requirements 

- Foreign-person and deemed-export considerations 

- Common ITAR compliance considerations and potential risk areas 

- Practical examples of how ITAR requirements can arise in day-to-day business activities 

Recommended for: Export and trade compliance professionals, legal and contracts teams, logistics and shipping personnel, engineering and technical teams, business development professionals, government contractors, and companies that manufacture, export, handle, or provide services involving defense-related products or technology. Whether your organization is new to ITAR compliance or looking to strengthen its understanding of the regulations, this session will provide a foundation for recognizing when ITAR may apply and identifying the appropriate next steps for compliance.

Instructor: Luke Engan, Partner, gunnercooke

Luke has in-depth knowledge of the international economic and legal landscape. His range of experience in global trade, antitrust, and complex project leadership encompasses private and public-sector roles. In international trade, Luke has deep expertise in tariffs, customs, export controls, and foreign trade zone programs. Luke devotes collaborative attention and a keen analytical eye to clients’ needs, including litigation risk mitigation, cross-functional legal operations management, regulatory compliance, and antitrust and international trade strategy. His experience at the Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission, and Department of Commerce has honed his judgment of the regulatory perspectives that affect business. Luke’s private practice at White & Case and Ropes & Gray developed his capabilities in managing risk in high-stakes litigation and counselling scenarios. He has been trusted with cross-functional team leadership, creation of novel processes under pressure, and efficient service delivery when results matter. Luke brings careful judgment and passion for sound international economic policy to his matters so that business can thrive and evolve in a fast-changing world. He became a lawyer because of his natural tendency toward passionate advocacy for his clients. Luke is a native to change, whether assisting those who create or respond to disruptive technologies.