ITAR sounds like a big deal, and that’s because it is. It’s all about compliance – something we pride ourselves on here at SiTech. When it comes to our support of our contractors with durable, flexible and long-lasting silicone products, we take ITAR compliance very seriously. Short for International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), this kind of compliance is important to our clients and their bottom lines – plus, it’s the law!
Here are some FAQS about ITAR compliance and why we take pride in being an ITAR certified molding company.
Q: What is ITAR?
A: ITAR is made up of government rules that govern the export and import of defense-related services, products and technologies. These are items that appear on the U.S. Munitions List (USML).
Q: Why is ITAR important?
A: The requirements ITAR spells out are designed to ensure defense technology and related technical information stays confidential. When ending up in the wrong hands, disaster can ensue.
Q: What do you do to be ITAR compliant?
A: Our custom silicone keypads happen to be fully ITAR-compliant, even though what we sell isn’t specifically listed on the United States Munitions List (USML). But if they ever are, they have to be ITAR compliant if utilized on a USML system. If we follow the rules now, we know we’re covered in the future. This way, you as the client and us as the company can’t be held against the law.
Q: What advice do you have for companies?
A: As a business owner, you should always do your research and find out if the sub-contractors you are using are fully ITAR compliant. You may think: hey, I’m a small company. I don’t need to worry about compliance. And if anything ever happens, I can claim ignorance! Not so. The government is on the lookout for these types of transgressions and won’t hesitate to enforce the rules.
Q: Are you an American-owned company?
A: Yes, and proud of it. As such, we are able to guarantee that all our components are manufactured at our plant in Virginia, allowing us to have control not only over the parts we make, but over their intended use. A word to the wise: even if yourcompany is ITAR compliant, but you buy foreign components that are not compliant, your entire operation is at risk.
Q: Do you cater to the military?
A: Yes, we work quite frequently with the military, and as such go to great lengths to ensure everything we manufacture for military purposes is ITAR compliant. In fact, we design and craft our products in one of the most military-focused regions in the country: our headquarters in Newport News, VA.
When any company, military or not, contracts with SiTECH, they get silicone products that are military-grade tough, dependable, won’t quit, and can weather any environment. Our patriotic spirit is evidenced in our thorough American manufacturing, a company well positioned to lead the future of the silicone parts industry. Whether you need custom keypads or silicone components for equipment, we are here for you.
It’s of vital important to select a manufacturer that respects the importance of ITAR compliance. Catering to the armed forces with quality liquid silicone keypads: we are proud to be an ITAR certified molding company. Learn more at 757-887-8488.
