What Is the USML?
The United States Munitions List is codified at 22 CFR §121.1 and enumerates the defense articles, defense services, and related technical data controlled under ITAR. The USML consists of 21 categories, each covering a specific class of defense items. Items described on the USML require authorization from DDTC for export, temporary import, and transfer to foreign persons.
The USML was significantly revised during Export Control Reform (ECR), with many items being transferred to the Commerce Control List under 600-series ECCNs. The current USML is intended to focus on items that provide the United States with a critical military advantage.
Categories I Through XI
Category I covers firearms, close assault weapons, and combat shotguns. Category II covers guns and armament above .50 caliber. Category III addresses ammunition and ordnance. Category IV controls launch vehicles, guided missiles, and ballistic missiles. Category V covers explosives and energetic materials. Category VI covers surface vessels of war. Category VII covers ground vehicles. Category VIII covers aircraft, including military aircraft and components. Category IX covers military training equipment. Category X covers protective personnel equipment. Category XI covers military electronics and command, control, communications, and intelligence (C3I) equipment.
Categories XII Through XXI
Category XII covers fire control, range finder, and optical guidance equipment. Category XIII covers materials and miscellaneous articles. Category XIV covers toxicological agents. Category XV covers spacecraft and related articles. Category XVI covers nuclear weapons-related articles. Category XVII covers classified articles. Category XVIII covers directed energy weapons. Category XIX covers gas turbine engines. Category XX covers submersible vessels. Category XXI covers articles and services not otherwise enumerated — the catch-all miscellaneous military category.
Each category includes specific sub-paragraphs, Significant Military Equipment (SME) designations, and cross-references to related 600-series ECCNs on the CCL.