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State Dept. Eases ITAR Rules for Afghanistan, Adds Two Exemptions for Proscribed Destinations

The State Department said it's amending the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to list Afghanistan as a major non-NATO ally, and to make available the use of two additional defense export license exemptions for proscribed destinations, effective on publication in the Federal Register, scheduled for Dec. 31. The action implements President Barack Obama's July 6 decision to designate Afghanistan as a major non-NATO ally for purposes of the Arms Export Control Act.

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To include Afghanistan as a major non-NATO ally, State is amending 22 CFR 120.32 (the definition for major non-NATO ally) to include Afghanistan on that list. The new entry for Afghanistan also includes a reference to Section 126.1(g).

The final rule also amends 22 CFR 126.1(a) to say that the license exemption for shipments by or for U.S. government agencies (Section 126.4), as well as the license exemption for foreign-owned military aircraft and naval vessels, and the foreign military sales program (Section 126.6), may be used for exports to proscribed destinations included in Section 126.1 (which still includes Afghanistan).

Further information: Candace Goforth, 202-663-2792, or DDTCResponseTeam@state.gov.