AUKUS partners propose new rules for defence trade

On May 1, the United States, together with Australia and the United Kingdom, published proposed changes to their systems of defence trade controls for public and industry input. The proposed changes are designed to harness and maximise the innovative power residing in our defence industrial bases by facilitating secure license-free defence trade between our countries. The proposed changes to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations – or ITAR – would create a license exemption supporting billions of dollars in license-free defence trade between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States and allow for deeper security cooperation and innovation among AUKUS partners. All three nations are committed to working with private sectors and research communities – those who will use these exemptions – to ensure the exemptions, taken together, support the goals of the AUKUS enhanced security partnership. The U.S. Department of State is soliciting public feedback and comment by May 31, 2024. The proposed ITAR change, and details on submitting public comments, can be found on FederalRegister.gov. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]