This blog post focuses on International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), highlighting what it is, why compliance is important, and how Siemens Teamcenter PLM supports ITAR requirements. We will also explore key considerations for implementing Teamcenter Export Control in your organization.
What is ITAR?
ITAR regulations govern the import and export of defense-related items to ensure U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives. Managed by the U.S. Department of State, ITAR applies to military-grade hardware, software, and technical data on the United States Munitions List (USML).
ITAR restricts sharing controlled technologies with foreign persons or entities, whether outside or within the U.S. Even unintentional exposure by non-U.S. persons can lead to violations. This highlights the need for robust security measures and reliable tools to safeguard your data.
Why is ITAR compliance so important?
Failing to comply with ITAR can have serious consequences for your business:
- Legal penalties: Violations can lead to hefty fines (up to $1 million per violation), loss of export privileges, and even criminal charges with potential imprisonment.
- Reputational damage: Non-compliance can damage trust with customers, suppliers, and government agencies like the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration, jeopardizing future opportunities.
- Lost business: Many aerospace and defense OEMs require ITAR compliance. Failing to meet their standards could mean losing key contracts.
Overview of ITAR capabilities in Teamcenter
Since potentially ITAR-controlled data—such as CAD designs and control software—often resides in a company’s PLM system, that system must support ITAR compliance natively. Siemens Teamcenter offers robust, out-of-the-box Export Control features that support ITAR compliance. Since each company’s data and potential exposure points are different, Teamcenter’s Export Control features are highly configurable and flexible.
Key Teamcenter Export Control features include:
- Access control: Restricts data access based on citizenship, clearance level, project assignment, or a combination of these factors.
- Data segmentation: Isolates ITAR-sensitive data within specific projects or workflows for easier compliance management.
- Audit trails: Logs user activities, data changes, and access attempts to support compliance during audits.
- Data classification: Enables metadata (e.g., USML codes) to allow the automation of compliance checks and enforce proper handling of sensitive information.
- License management: Grants controlled time-bound access for approved users under specific licenses or waivers.
Preparing to Implement Export Control using Teamcenter
To tailor Teamcenter Export Control features to your organization, start by defining key requirements:
- Identify controlled data: Inventory data, parts, and documentation that fall under Export Control requirements, and identify how each item would be classified on the USML.
- Understand stakeholders: Define who needs access to ITAR-controlled data and categorize them by nationality, citizenship, role, and location.
- Map compliance workflow: Establish approval processes for sharing controlled data, export licensing, security logging, and incident reporting. Create flowcharts or process maps that can be used to create Teamcenter workflows where necessary.
- Assess Teamcenter configuration: Identify gaps in compliance capabilities, such as access control and data tagging, so you know what your starting point is. Keep in mind that out-of-the-box Teamcenter does not have any ITAR restrictions activated.
- Determine integrations: Assess whether integrations with HR systems or external Export Control tools are needed for compliance.
Once these requirements are identified, updates to your Teamcenter configuration can be designed and implemented to meet them.
Summary
ITAR compliance is essential for aerospace and defense organizations. Siemens Teamcenter provides powerful tools—including granular access controls, data segmentation, and audit logging—to help safeguard sensitive data and mitigate legal risks. With proper planning and deployment, Teamcenter ensures seamless compliance in a highly regulated environment.
Applied CAx has extensive experience implementing Teamcenter Export Control features for aerospace and defense customers.
Contact us for a consultation on achieving and maintaining compliance.
Want to see a real-life example of ITAR compliance in Teamcenter and learn how to deploy it in your own company? Download our ITAR guide here.