Si-Tech specializes in ITAR compliant keypad components. So why is this such a big deal? Well, we always want to go the extra mile to ensure the safety of our silicone products and where they end up on the market. As such, we comply with ITAR, short for International Traffic in Arms Regulations. These are government rules that put safe guards in place for the export and import of defense-related technologies, services, and products that appear on the U.S. Munitions List (USML).
These requirements work to ensure critical defense technology and its associated technical information stays out of the wrong hands. We work with many government and military clients who want us to manufacture their silicone keyboards for use in the field and at control centers. Our ITAR certification and compliance gives us and them peace of mind.
But it’s also the law, as any manufacturer who sells to the United States Department of Defense (DoD) must be in ITAR compliance. Even when a manufacturer isn’t selling directly to the DoD but sells to another company that does, ITAR compliance is still required. We have covered all our bases by following the rules now, protecting both our clients and our company in the future so we can’t be held liable.
Why It’s Important for Silicone
When any company, whether a branch of the military or some other industry, signs a contract with SiTECH, the silicone deliverables they receive can be guaranteed to be military-grade tough, dependable, and durable, resistant to all kinds of weather. This is especially important while out on the battlefield, as you want to ensure your products last through sand storms, nearby blasts, wind, and any other weather event you can think of.
A Word of Caution
Many foreign manufacturers still are not registered with ITAR. Even if you yourself are but you use a sub-contractor who is non-compliant, you could be found in violation of ITAR regulations. No, custom silicone keypads aren’t specifically listed on the USML as such, but they still have to meet all ITAR requirements prior to exportation if they are a part of any USML system. Follow these rules, and you can’t get in trouble! Easy peasy.
This is why you should ask all subcontractors you use if they are ITAR compliant. It’s not uncommon for small companies to claim ignorance of ITAR requirements, in part because the government in years past hasn’t been all that strict about enforcement. That has changed, and the government is now cracking down on non-compliance no matter how large or small your company is.
You’re spinning your wheels to be ITAR compliant when you’re still using foreign components where you aren’t sure of compliance.
Plus, ITAR compliance is typically required when entering into major contracts. If you aren’t compliant, you’re missing the boat when it comes to scoring those big contracts – not to mention you’re failing to engage in an effective marketing strategy that reassures the end client of product quality.
Contact Si-Tech here for a quote on your custom silicone product for military use. As an ITAR compliant company based right here in the USA, you can purchase from us with confidence.
