Armored fighting vehicles and their parts are defense articles controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), administered by the State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). Import requires a DDTC import authorization, and any transfer, re-export, or retransfer is subject to strict licensing requirements. The Department of Defense and other agencies may also be involved depending on the specific transaction.

Parts specifically designed or modified for armored fighting vehicles are classified here and treated as defense articles under ITAR, regardless of whether similar components exist in commercial form. A commercial off-the-shelf part that has been specifically adapted or is being procured for use in an armored fighting vehicle may still be subject to ITAR controls. Importers should seek a commodity jurisdiction determination from DDTC when the status of a specific component is uncertain.