ITAR vs. Controlled Goods: What’s the Difference?
For manufacturers supporting defence, aerospace, security, and other regulated industries, compliance requirements often play a critical role in supplier selection. Two of the most important frameworks in North America are the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Canada’s Controlled Goods Program (CGP).
While these programs share a common objective of protecting sensitive technologies and information, they apply to different jurisdictions and regulatory requirements. Understanding the difference is essential for OEMs developing products that involve defence, aerospace, military, or national security applications.
What Is ITAR?
ITAR is a U.S. regulatory framework administered by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) within the U.S. Department of State. The regulations govern the manufacture, export, temporary import, and transfer of defence-related articles, services, and technical data identified on the United States Munitions List (USML).
Organizations supporting ITAR-controlled programs must establish controls over who can access regulated products, documentation, and technical information.
Industries Commonly Requiring ITAR Compliance
- Aerospace and aviation
- Defence electronics
- Military communications systems
- Surveillance and security technologies
- Unmanned aerial systems (UAS)
- Satellite and space technologies
What Is the Controlled Goods Program?
Canada’s Controlled Goods Program, administered by Public Services and Procurement Canada, regulates access to controlled goods and related technical information within Canada.
The program helps prevent the unauthorized examination, possession, or transfer of goods that have military, national security, or strategic significance. Registered organizations must implement procedures to assess personnel, maintain security controls, and demonstrate ongoing compliance.
Industries Commonly Requiring Controlled Goods Registration
- Defence manufacturing
- Aerospace systems
- Military vehicles and equipment
- Communications infrastructure
- Government and security programs
- Advanced technology manufacturing
Why These Certifications Matter
For OEMs, certification provides confidence that a manufacturing partner has established the controls required to support sensitive programs.
Benefits include:
- Protection of sensitive technical data
- Support for defence and aerospace program requirements
- Reduced compliance risk
- Improved supply chain security
- Greater customer and government confidence
Many defence and aerospace contracts require suppliers throughout the manufacturing supply chain to maintain the appropriate certifications before production can begin.
DSM’s Commitment to Secure Manufacturing
DSM has a long history of supporting regulated manufacturing programs across North America.
DSM Compliance Milestones
- 2008: DSM obtained Controlled Goods certification in Canada, enabling secure manufacturing support for regulated Canadian programs.
- 2020: DSM Arizona obtained ITAR registration, expanding support for customers requiring compliance with U.S. export-controlled manufacturing requirements.
Today, DSM maintains processes designed to support both Canadian and U.S. compliance requirements, including:
- Employee screening and authorization procedures
- Controlled access to sensitive information and production areas
- Documented compliance processes
- Ongoing training and regulatory oversight
- Secure handling of customer technical data
Supporting Regulated Programs Across North America
As defence, aerospace, and security technologies continue to evolve, regulatory compliance remains an important part of supplier selection.
With both Controlled Goods certification and ITAR registration, DSM helps OEMs navigate complex regulatory requirements while supporting secure manufacturing programs across Canada and the United States. For organizations developing products for highly regulated industries, working with a manufacturing partner that understands these requirements can help reduce risk, simplify compliance, and support long-term program success.
Reach out to DSM today: dsmsales@dynamicsourcemfg.com
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