The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), administered by the State Department's DDTC, control the import and export of defense articles including military munitions. Importers must hold a valid DDTC registration and, where applicable, an import license. ATF may impose additional requirements for items that also qualify as destructive devices under the National Firearms Act.

Private commercial importation of military munitions is extremely restricted. Most lawful imports occur under government contracts, licensed defense-industry transactions, or demilitarization programs. Any commercial importer must obtain DDTC authorization and demonstrate a legitimate end-use; unauthorized importation carries severe criminal penalties.