Any U.S. company that engages in manufacture, export or temporary import of defense articles or furnishing of defense services, is required to register with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). This information allows the government to know who is engaged in certain manufacturing industries/activities as well as export activities.  Registration is a requirement to apply for DDTC export licensing authority. Registrations are valid for 12 months and it is recommended that renewals be submitted to DDTC 6 weeks prior to expiration.

Registration renewal notice is sent by email by DDTC 90 days prior to expiration. Notice is sent to the empowered official, the Corporate Administrator as well as anyone listed in “Additional Contacts” on the DS2032. Renewal should be submitted at least 30 days prior to expiration but can be submitted as early as 60 days prior.

Any changes to your registration must be submitted in an amendment prior to annual renewal. Any sale of your business, or part of your business, requires submitting a 5-day notification to DDTC and, if sale is to a foreign party, a 60-Day notification.

Your K and M-codes should be secured as you would your social security number. If forwarding your registration approval letter, you should black out your M or K-code.