Which federal agency requires registration for the exportation of defense articles?

The correct answer is C, as the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing the Arms Export Control Act (AECA). This agency falls under the Department of State and explicitly governs the exportation of defense articles and services. To ensure national security and foreign policy objectives, the DDTC requires individuals and entities engaging in the export of defense-related products to register and comply with specific regulations. This includes oversight of licensing for exports, ensuring that any transfer of defense articles to foreign entities complies with U.S. laws.

In contrast, while the Department of Commerce deals with dual-use items and regulates exports, it does not have authority over defense articles, which are classified under the jurisdiction of the Department of State and the DDTC. The Department of Defense plays a role in national security and military oversight but does not handle the registration process for the exportation of defense articles. The Export-Import Bank focuses on facilitating international trade and financing exports but is not involved in the regulation of defense articles.

Understanding the specific roles of these agencies clarifies why the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls is the correct answer when it comes to the exportation of defense articles.