Which agency administers ITAR?

• A. Department of Homeland Security
• B. Department of Justice
• C. Department of State
• D. Department of Transportation

Answer: (C)

ITAR governs the export and temporary import of defense articles and defense services, and its administration is handled by the Department of State, specifically through the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. This unit issues licenses, maintains registrations, and enforces controls for items on the United States Munitions List, ensuring that defense-related exports align with U.S. foreign policy and national security goals. The other departments aren’t responsible for ITAR licensing: DHS focuses on security and border control, DOJ enforces federal laws but doesn’t run the ITAR licensing program, and DOT regulates transportation rather than defense article exports. (For contrast, the Export Administration Regulations are managed by the Department of Commerce, but ITAR is State’s responsibility.)