State Dept Loosens Rules: Underwater Drones Get Export Freedom
Published Date: 8/27/2025
Rule
Summary
The Department of State is updating the list of military items that need special permission to buy or sell. They’re removing some old items, adding new ones, and making rules clearer—plus, there’s a new license exemption for certain underwater drones. These changes affect companies and people dealing with defense gear and start soon, so get ready to follow the new rules!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Certain USML Items Removed
The Department of State is removing certain items from the U.S. Munitions List (USML). These removals narrow which military items are listed under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
New Items Added to USML
The Department of State is adding certain items to the U.S. Munitions List (USML). Items added to the USML are subject to ITAR controls and related permissions under U.S. export rules.
License Exemption for Some Underwater Drones
The Department is adding a new license exemption for certain activities related to unmanned underwater vehicles (underwater drones) as described in the exemption. The exemption is explicitly part of the ITAR amendments in this rule.
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Key Dates
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