Export Control Reform
Welcome to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) Export Control Reform (ECR) information page. Here you will find DDTC-specific resources on ECR, such as links to proposed rules, final rules, responses to frequently asked questions (FAQs), and decision tools that will assist users in understanding and applying the new rules and regulations.
Background
The President's ECR initiative is designed to better protect America's most sensitive defense technologies, while reducing unnecessary restrictions on exports of less sensitive items. ECR is a key objective for the Department and the Political-Military Bureau, in particular.
In August 2009, President Obama directed a broad-based interagency review of the U.S. export control system with the goal of strengthening national security and the competitiveness of key U.S. manufacturing and technology sectors by focusing on current threats and adapting to the changing economic and technological landscape. These reforms are consistent with our international commitments.
Want to learn more about the President's ECR Initiative? Click here.
ECR Announcements
We've revised our guidelines for Agreements under ECR. Click here to access the new guidelines.
ECR Implementation Status
| USML Category | Key Milestones | Federal Register Notice(s) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Description | Effective Date |
Transition End Date |
Final Rule | Correction Rule |
| I | Firearms | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| II | Artillery | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| III | Ammunition | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| IV | Launch Vehicles, Guided Missiles, Ballistic Missiles, Rockets, Torpedoes, Bombs, and Mines | 07/01/2014 | 06/30/2016 | 79 FR 34 | 79 FR 36393 |
| V | Explosives and Energetic Materials, Propellants, Incendiary Agents, and Their Constituents | 07/01/2014 | 06/30/2016 | 79 FR 34 | 79 FR 36393 |
| VI | Surface Vessels of War and Special Naval Equipment | 01/06/2014 | 01/05/2016 | 78 FR 40922 | 79 FR 26 |
| VII | Ground Vehicles | 01/06/2014 | 01/05/2016 | 78 FR 40922 | 79 FR 26 |
| VIII | Aircraft and Related Articles | 10/15/2013 | 10/14/2015 | 78 FR 22740 | 78 FR 61750 |
| IX | Military Training Equipment | 07/01/2014 | 06/30/2016 | 79 FR 34 | 79 FR 36393 |
| X | Personal Protective Equipment | 07/01/2014 | 06/30/2016 | 79 FR 34 | 79 FR 36393 |
| XI | Military Electronics | 12/30/2014 | 12/29/2016 | 79 FR 37536 | 79 FR 77884 |
| XII | Fire Control/Sensors/Night Vision | 12/31/2016 | 12/30/2016 | 81 FR 70340 | TBD |
| XIII | Materials and Miscellaneous Articles | 01/06/2014 | 01/05/2016 | 78 FR 40922 | 79 FR 26 |
| XIV | Toxicological Agents | 12/31/2016 | 12/30/2018 | 81 FR 49531 | TBD |
| XV | Spacecraft and Related Articles | 11/10/2014 | 11/09/2016 | 79 FR 27180 | 79 FR 66608 |
| XVI | Nuclear Weapons Related Articles | 07/01/2014 | 06/30/2016 | 79 FR 34 | 79 FR 36393 |
| XVII | Classified Articles, Technical Data, and Defense Services | 10/15/2013 | 10/14/2015 | 78 FR 22740 | 78 FR 61750 |
| XVIII | Directed Energy Weapons | 12/31/2016 | 12/30/2018 | 81 FR 49531 | TBD |
| XIX | Gas Turbine Engines and Associated Equipment | 10/15/2013 | 10/14/2015 | 78 FR 22740 | 78 FR 61750 |
| XX | Submersible Vessels and Related Articles | 01/06/2014 | 01/05/2016 | 78 FR 40922 | 79 FR 26 |
| XXI | Articles, Technical Data, and Defense Services Otherwise Not Enumerated | 10/15/2013 | 10/14/2015 | 78 FR 22740 | 78 FR 61750 |
Decision Tools
DDTC new web-based decision tools for understanding and applying revised regulations:
- Order of Review: Use this tool to help you figure out where your item(s) is controlled.
- Specially Designed: Use this tool to help you determine if a particular item is "specially designed" or meets one of the five carve-outs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Have a question pertaining to ECR? You might find the answer here. Can’t find the answer? Submit a question to the DDTC Response Team.
Have questions pertaining to dual-use controls? Go to Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security for further information.