New regulations for Military Electronics (Category XI) go into effect on December 30, 2014. The changes to the U.S. Munitions List, which is regulated through the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), states that PCBs “specially designed” for defense-related purposes will be controlled under USML Category XI. Additionally, any designs or digital data related to “specially designed” PCBs will be controlled as technical data.
The rule, which was advocated for by IPC, clarifies and highlights the importance of ITAR on PCBs in ITAR-controlled defense articles. This clarity represents a significant step in addressing the confusion in the defense industry about ITAR controls on PCBs, which should reduce inappropriate sourcing of printed boards for ITAR items from non-ITAR facilities.
For more information, consider attending a special briefing and open discussion with State Department official Sam Harmon, Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at IPC APEX EXPO in San Diego, California.
