When exporting under ITAR regulations, what documentation must be maintained?

When exporting under ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) regulations, it is essential to maintain export licenses and compliance records. This is because ITAR governs the export of defense articles and services, and compliance with these regulations is critical to ensure that sensitive military and dual-use technologies are not improperly disclosed or exported to unauthorized individuals or countries.

Export licenses serve as formal permission from the U.S. government to export specific defense articles or services, and proper documentation enables organizations to prove that they operate within legal boundaries. Compliance records also include information regarding the transactions, end-users, and any required reports, which help organizations demonstrate adherence to regulatory requirements and facilitate audits and inspections.

In contrast, sales receipts, shipping invoices, and supplier contracts may not provide the comprehensive legal and compliance framework necessary to meet ITAR obligations, as they do not specifically address the need for export licenses or the detailed compliance tracking that is dictated by ITAR regulations. Thus, maintaining export licenses and compliance records is vital for legal exporting practices under ITAR.