Defense Trade. Clarification and More Comprehensive Oversight of Export Exemptions Certified by DOD Are Needed
Abstract
In support of Department of Defense (DOD) activities, U.S. defense companies may export defense items. The Department of State (State) controls such exports through its International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which provides for some exemptions from export licensing requirements. For a limited number of these exemptions, DOD may confirm or certify that the export activity qualifies for the use of an ITAR exemption. As part of an initiative, DOD is to make more effective use of ITAR exemptions, but little is known about the extent to which this is done. This report (1) describes DOD's approach for certifying exporters exemption use in support of defense activities, (2) summarizes the use of selected DOD-certified exemptions, and (3) examines State and DOD's oversight of exemption use. GAO's findings are based on its review of export control law, regulation, and DOD guidelines; interviews with State, DOD, and defense industry officials; and a GAO-developed database of DOD certification letters. GAO is recommending that State and DOD resolve disagreements on exemption use and guidelines, and strengthen oversight through data collection. State and DOD agreed to resolve disagreements, but DOD misunderstood the intent of the recommendation on oversight. In response, GAO clarified the language in this recommendation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA473636
Entities
People
- Ann Calvaresi-barr
- Anne-marie Lasowski
- Arthur James Jr.
- Karen Sloan
- Lisa Gardner
- Marie Ahearn
- Peter Grana
- Sharron Candon
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office