ITAR Information Collection Extension for Request to Change End-User, End-Use and/or Destination of Defense Articles
Summary
The Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) is requesting public comments on an extension of an approved information collection (OMB Control No. 1405-0173) for Form DS-6004. The form is used to request approval for changes to end-user, end-use, and/or destination of defense articles under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Comments are due April 30, 2026. Approximately 1,695 respondents are affected with a total estimated burden of 2,234 hours.
What changed
DDTC has submitted to OMB a request to extend the information collection for Form DS-6004, which covers requests to change end-user, end-use, and/or destination of hardware and Open General Licenses under ITAR. The collection applies to individuals, businesses, or organizations engaged in exporting, temporarily importing, reexporting, or retransmitting defense articles or services. Respondents must obtain DDTC written approval under ITAR § 123.9(a) before reselling, transferring, reexporting, or disposing of defense articles to any end-user, end-use, or destination other than as originally authorized.
Regulated entities involved in defense trade who may need to change end-user, end-use, or destination of defense articles should review the proposed collection requirements. Comments on the information collection must be submitted by April 30, 2026 via www.reginfo.gov. Businesses should evaluate whether the estimated burden (approximately 1 hour per response) is accurately reflected. This is a routine extension of an existing approved collection; no new substantive requirements are being imposed.
What to do next
- Review proposed information collection requirements for Form DS-6004
- Submit comments to OMB by April 30, 2026 via www.reginfo.gov if you wish to provide feedback on the collection burden or necessity
- Notify relevant personnel involved in defense trade compliance of the comment period
Source document (simplified)
Content
ACTION:
Notice of request for public comment and submission to OMB of proposed collection of information.
SUMMARY:
The Department of State has submitted the information collection described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
for approval. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 we are requesting comments on this collection from all
interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this Notice is to allow 30 days for public comment.
DATES:
Submit comments up to April 30, 2026.
ADDRESSES:
Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication
of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting “Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments” or by using
the search function.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Direct requests for additional information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including requests for copies of
the proposed collection instrument and supporting documents, to Andrea Battista, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls who
may be reached on 202-992-0973 or at battistaal@state.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
• Title of Information Collection: Request to Change End-User, End-Use and/or Destination of Hardware and Open General Licenses.
• OMB Control Number: 1405-0173.
• Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection.
• Originating Office: Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC).
• Form Number: DS-6004.
• Respondents: Individuals, businesses, or organizations engaged in the business of exporting or temporarily importing defense articles or
defense services or those involved with reexport or retransfer of unclassified defense articles otherwise authorized under
the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
• Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,695.
• Estimated Number of Responses: 2,234.
• Average Time per Response: 1 hour.
• Total Estimated Burden Time: 2,234 hours.
• Frequency: On occasion.
• Obligation to Respond: Mandatory.
We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:
- Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
- Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.
- Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.
- Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review.
Abstract of Proposed Collection
This information collection is used for two main purposes: (1) the collection and submission of information required for DDTC
approval of a reexport or retransfer; and (2) the collection and retention of certain information for authorizations and other
approvals, including for reexports and retransfers under an Open General License (OGL) program. Under § 123.9(a) of the ITAR,
unless an exemption applies, DDTC's written approval must be obtained before reselling, transferring, reexporting, retransferring,
transshipping, or disposing of a defense article to any end-user, end-use, or destination other than as stated on the export
license or in the Electronic Export Information filing in cases where an exemption was claimed. Such approval is normally
granted through case-by-case review of requests to authorize specific transfers. In addition, ITAR § 120.22(b) allows DDTC
to provide export authorization for DDTC's own initiatives, including pilot programs and other specifically anticipated circumstances
for which DDTC considers special authorizations appropriate. DDTC has launched a pilot program pursuant to its authorities
in ITAR § 120.22(b) in order to assess the concept of an OGL mechanism by which it may authorize certain transfers of defense
articles to predetermined parties. OGLs eliminate the need for the Department to individually review and approve certain lower-risk
transactions involving certain recipients. DDTC believes the OGL program will provide unprecedented flexibility for the U.S.
defense industry and U.S. allies to operate consistent with the ITAR and will enhance their ability to maintain, repair, and
store defense articles.
Under ITAR § 123.1(c), DDTC may require pertinent documentation regarding the proposed transaction and proper completion of
the application form, including information about the quantity and value of the defense article proposed for export and information
on the proposed end-user, end-use, and ultimate destination. Under ITAR § 123.9(c), persons who seek approval from DDTC to
reexport or retransfer defense articles are required to submit a description, quantity, and value of the defense article and
a description and identification of the new end-user, end-use, and destination. Under ITAR § 120.15(e) any person engaging
in any reexport or retransfer of a defense article pursuant to an exemption must maintain records of each such transfer including
the following information: A description of the defense article, including technical data, or defense service; the name and
address of the end-user and other available contact information (e.g., telephone number and email address); the name of the natural person responsible for the transaction; the stated end-use of
the defense article or defense service; the date of the transaction; the Electronic Export Information Internal Transaction
Number; and the method of transmission.
DDTC seeks to ensure that persons who rely on any current or future OGLs to conduct reexports and retransfers abroad retain
the same records as would be required if their transactions were authorized by either a specific license or an exemption.
Accordingly, DDTC has restated the record-keeping
requirements articulated in ITAR § 120.15(e) in the OGLs themselves.
Methodology
Respondents will submit information as attachments to relevant license applications or requests for other approval. Applicants
are referred to ITAR § 123.9 for guidance on what information to submit regarding the request to change end-user, end-use
and/or destination of hardware. This information may be submitted electronically via a DS-6004, Reexport/Retransfer Application,
through DDTC's case management system, the Defense Export Control and Compliance System (DECCS).
Separately, as described in ITAR § 120.15(e) and under the OGL pilot program and as described in each OGL, respondents will
be required to retain certain information in their own records for a period of five years from the date of the reexport or
retransfer.
Michael J. Vaccaro, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, U.S. Department of State. [FR Doc. 2026-06209 Filed 3-30-26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710-25-P
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