U.S. Department of State

Preparing a Registration Package

All manufacturers, exporters and brokers of defense articles and defense services as defined in Part 120 of the ITAR and generally described on the U.S. Munitions List (Part 121 of the ITAR) are required to register with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC).  Registration is primarily a means to provide the U.S. Government with necessary information on who is engaged in manufacturing, exporting and brokering activities.  Registration does not confer any export rights or privileges, but is a precondition for the issuance of any license or other approval.

The DS-2032 form, and attachments as required, must be completed, printed, and signed and submitted to DDTC in hard copy. Electronic forms sent via email cannot be accepted by DDTC at this time.

First Steps

Prior to submitting a registration package, the registrant must:

• Determine if it is a manufacturer or exporter and/or broker and has a US parent, check with the parent to determine if it is already registered with DDTC.  If so, your company should be listed on the parent's registration and your submission would be unnecessary.  If the parent is not registered, then the parent should submit the registration package.
• Check the expiration date which is included in the registration letter issued by DDTC.
• Ensure the validity period requested is for one year per Section 122.3 of the ITAR as only one year new and renewal registration packages (including fees) will be accepted.
• Re-start the registration process if previously rejected as incomplete.
• Determine if its registration expired and if so, provide a certification signed by a senior officer certifying whether or not the registrant was in the business of manufacturing, exporting or brokering defense articles or defense services during the lapsed period.  The certification must be included in the transmittal letter.  Back fees are owed if the person was in the business during the lapsed period and back fees calculated on the fee rate at that time.
• Provide one original and two copies of the complete registration package (including check).

Registration Package

The registration package for new or renewal submission must include the following REQUIRED components.

1. Transmittal Letter

   The transmittal letter must be on registrant's letterhead reflecting the registrant's legal name (not "Doing Business As" name) as well as indicating its legal name in the first and last paragraphs in the text. It must be signed by a senior officer who is a U.S. person under Section 120.15 and qualified under Section 120.25 of the ITAR.  Foreign broker senior officers must meet the same qualification except they are not required to be U.S. persons.  The transmittal letter must be modified, as applicable, regarding a conviction, indictment, ineligibility or foreign ownership and control.

2. DS-2032 Statement of Registration

   The registration form must be completed in its entirety by manufacturers, exporters and brokers.  Every block must be completed, including stating the U.S. Munitions List categories.  Instructions are provided as part of the form.  Documentation must be attached supporting the information listed in the blocks, such as type of entity and commencement of business documentation issued by an official government source.

3. Documentation

   U.S. documentation supporting DS-2032 in Block 6 must reference such documents as:

   • State Incorporation Certificate
   • State Certificate of Good Standing
   • State, County or City Business License
   • State Articles of Incorporation, sole proprietorship, partnerships, limited liability parternship/company, and corporations

4. Fees

   For new and renewal registrants, review Registration Fee Section

   Payment must be submitted by check and must be in U.S. currency, payable through a U.S. financial institution.  Cash and foreign currency will not be accepted. Make check payable to "U.S. Department of State."  Only the registrant can submit the fee; third parties cannot submit the fee on the registrant's behalf.

   Registrants who use a "doing business as" name on their checks must also include in the registration package the legal government documentation showing authorization for the applicant in Block 1 to use the name. (Note: The "dba" name cannot be the registrant name.)

5. Submitting the Registration Package

   The entire registration submission consisting of the DS-2032, the transmittal letter, the back-up documentation, and the fee must be physically mailed or sent through a postal delivery service to the address in the DS-2032 form instructions.  The registration package will not be accepted electronically(i.e., email or fax).