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DEPARTMENTS & AGENCIES

A number of Federal Agencies, Departments and Commissions play roles in the regulation of exports.

United States Treasury Department | Office of Foreign Assets Control | Bureau of Industry and Security | Department of State | Department of Homeland Security | Customs and Border Protection

United States Treasury Department

The U.S. Treasury Department (Treasury) was, prior to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the primary Federal Department responsible for Customs.  Treasury executed this function through the U.S. Customs Service.  While most of the functions of the U.S. Customs Service have been absorbed by DHS, a number of revenue related functions remain with Treasury.  

Office Of Foreign Assets Control

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) administers the various U.S. sanctions specifically designated by the United States.

Bureau of Industry & Security

The Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS) is the agency primarily responsible for regulating and licensing exports as well as enforcing all export control laws, including antiboycott and public safety.

Department of State

Office of Defense Trade Controls, Department of State (ODTC) administers the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). These regulations govern the sale and export of munitions from the United States.

Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks.  It brings together the many departments and agencies responsible for protecting the nation from terrorist threats under a common head.  The DHS has five major divisions, or Directorates. One of these, the Border and Transportation Security (BTS) Directorate, is responsible for maintaining the security of U.S. borders and transportation systems. It is the largest of the Directorates, and is home to the Bureau of Customs & Border Protection (the former U.S. Customs Service). It also includes agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration, the border security functions of the former Immigration & Naturalization Service, and the Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service.

Customs & Border Protection (CBP)

The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP)is the successor to the U.S. Customs Service, formerly part of the U.S. Treasury Department.  It is the front line agency that is responsible for enforcing more than 400 laws administered by over 40 other agencies and departments.