Week in Space Data, every Friday.
Searchable reference of ITAR USML categories and EAR ECCN codes relevant to the space industry. Understand which export control regime applies to your technology.
Administered by the State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). Controls defense articles on the U.S. Munitions List (USML). Registration with DDTC is mandatory for manufacturers and exporters. Criminal violations carry penalties of up to $1,000,000 per violation and 20 years imprisonment (22 U.S.C. 2778(c)).
Launch Vehicles, Guided Missiles, Ballistic Missiles, Rockets, Torpedoes, Bombs, and Mines
Covers launch vehicles and their major components, including sounding rockets, space launch vehicles (SLVs), and reusable launch vehicles. This is one of the most heavily controlled categories for the space industry.
Exports need DDTC approval, normally a license (Form DSP-5 for unclassified permanent exports, DSP-73 for unclassified temporary exports) or an agreement such as a TAA, unless an ITAR exemption applies (22 CFR 123.1). Congressional certification under AECA section 36(c) (22 CFR 123.15) applies to licenses for major defense equipment sold under a contract of $14,000,000 or more, or defense articles and services sold under a contract of $50,000,000 or more ($25,000,000 and $100,000,000 for NATO members, Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea). Manufacturers and exporters of defense articles must register with DDTC (22 CFR 122.1).
The Export Control Reform rules published January 2, 2014 (79 FR 34 and 79 FR 264, effective July 1, 2014) moved certain parts and components specially designed for Category IV items to the CCL under ECCN 9A604, where they remain. Paragraphs marked with an asterisk in 22 CFR 121.1, including IV(a), (b), (d), (g) and (h)(30), are Significant Military Equipment (22 CFR 120.10(c)).
Spacecraft and Related Articles
Spacecraft, including satellites and space vehicles, that meet the criteria in paragraph (a) whether their end use is commercial, civil or military, plus listed ground control systems, parts and components, and related technical data and defense services. Spacecraft not identified in paragraph (a) are subject to the EAR (ECCNs 9A004 and 9A515).
Exports need DDTC approval, normally a license (DSP-5 or DSP-73) or an agreement such as a TAA, unless an ITAR exemption applies (22 CFR 123.1). Congressional certification thresholds in 22 CFR 123.15 apply. Defense services under XV(f) include assistance to a foreign person in integrating a satellite or spacecraft with a launch vehicle, whatever the jurisdiction, ownership or origin of the satellite.
The 2014 Export Control Reform rules (State, 79 FR 27180, and Commerce, 79 FR 27418, both published May 13, 2014) moved many spacecraft and spacecraft parts from the USML to the EAR under the new 9x515 ECCNs. An item stays on the USML only if Category XV describes it: a spacecraft meeting a XV(a) criterion, a XV(b) ground control system, a part listed in XV(e), or anything classified (XV(a)(13), XV(e)(21)). Parts specially designed for XV spacecraft but not listed in XV(e) are subject to the EAR (Note 1 to paragraph (e)).
This reference is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Export classification determinations must be made by qualified personnel or through official commodity jurisdiction (CJ) or commodity classification (CCATS) requests. Misclassification of export-controlled items carries severe civil and criminal penalties. Always consult with your Empowered Official (EO) or export compliance counsel before making classification decisions. Checked on 2026-10-12 against the eCFR text of 22 CFR parts 120 to 123 and 121.1, and 15 CFR parts 734, 740 and 774.