Many transactions involving missiles and space vehicles are classified or subject to national security reporting exemptions under the Foreign Trade Regulations. Additionally, ITAR-controlled items may be excluded from standard Census Bureau trade statistics. Analysts should treat published figures as a floor, not a ceiling, for actual trade activity in this category.

The importer (or the US program prime contractor) must obtain a State Department Directorate of Defense Trade Controls import authorization before the article enters the US. The specific license type depends on the nature of the transaction; a Technical Assistance Agreement or Manufacturing License Agreement may also be required if technical data will be exchanged during integration.