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USML Categories (I to XXI) and Export Control Reference

Anyone in defense electronics hears USML category numbers daily: Category XI, Category XII, Category VIII. This reference lists all 21 categories by title and the main regulation names, so purchasing, contracts and shop floor staff can speak the same language as the export compliance office.

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Reference	Title or name	Type	Note
Category I	Firearms and Related Articles	USML
Category II	Guns and Armament	USML
Category III	Ammunition and Ordnance	USML
Category IV	Launch Vehicles, Guided Missiles, Ballistic Missiles, Rockets, Torpedoes, Bombs, and Mines	USML
Category V	Explosives and Energetic Materials, Propellants, Incendiary Agents, and Their Constituents	USML
Category VI	Surface Vessels of War and Special Naval Equipment	USML
Category VII	Ground Vehicles	USML
Category VIII	Aircraft and Related Articles	USML	Avionics may fall here or in XI depending on the entry
Category IX	Military Training Equipment and Training	USML
Category X	Personal Protective Equipment, Shelters, and Related Articles	USML
Category XI	Military Electronics	USML	Core category for radar, electronic warfare, command and control electronics
Category XII	Fire Control, Laser, Imaging, and Guidance Equipment	USML	Electro-optics, night vision, laser and inertial navigation items
Category XIII	Materials and Miscellaneous Articles	USML
Category XIV	Toxicological Agents, Including Chemical Agents, Biological Agents, and Associated Equipment	USML
Category XV	Spacecraft and Related Articles	USML
Category XVI	Nuclear Weapons Related Articles	USML
Category XVII	Classified Articles, Technical Data, and Defense Services Not Otherwise Enumerated	USML
Category XVIII	Directed Energy Weapons	USML
Category XIX	Gas Turbine Engines and Associated Equipment	USML
Category XX	Submersible Vessels and Related Articles	USML
Category XXI	Articles, Technical Data, and Defense Services Not Otherwise Enumerated	USML
ITAR	International Traffic in Arms Regulations, 22 CFR Parts 120 to 130	Regulation	Administered by the State Department, DDTC
USML text	United States Munitions List, 22 CFR 121.1	Regulation	Where the categories are published
EAR	Export Administration Regulations, 15 CFR Parts 730 to 774	Regulation	Administered by the Commerce Department, BIS
CCL	Commerce Control List, Supplement No. 1 to Part 774	Regulation	Lists ECCNs for dual-use and some military items
3A611	Military electronics ECCN (600 series)	ECCN	Items moved from USML to the CCL are in the 600 series
DDTC	Directorate of Defense Trade Controls	Agency	Registration and licensing under ITAR
BIS	Bureau of Industry and Security	Agency	Licensing under EAR

This list is for orientation only. Classification of an actual article is the exporter's responsibility and can require a commodity jurisdiction request or a written determination. It is not legal advice. Entries inside each category change by rule, so read the current text of 22 CFR 121.1.

Keep classification data close to your parts

Optional: a short look at storing classification fields in your ERP item master.

Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.

How to use the reference

Search for a word such as electronics, aircraft or spacecraft to see the categories that mention it. Use the Type column to isolate categories, regulations and agencies. Export the table to attach to a supplier onboarding pack or a training slide. The category is only the start of classification. Each category has paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and so on, and the specific paragraph, plus any notes and technical parameters, decide whether your item is covered.

ITAR versus EAR

ITAR controls items on the USML, which are specially designed for military use, and is run by the State Department. EAR controls dual-use items and items moved off the USML, and is run by Commerce. Moved items sit in the 600 series of ECCNs. Defense electronics suppliers often handle both: a ruggedized board may be ITAR while a commercial FPGA on it is EAR. Marking, storage, foreign person access and technical data handling differ, so classify at the part and the assembly level.

Keep a classification record for each part and assembly
Treat technical data and software as controlled, not only hardware
Check foreign person access to shared drives and ERP screens
Review classification when a design changes

Common mistakes

A common error is classifying by the customer's name rather than by the article. Another is assuming that a purchased commercial part stays commercial after it is built into a USML assembly. The assembly takes its own classification, and supplier flowdown clauses may require the same handling for the parts. Also avoid emailing technical data through uncontrolled tools. Keep the classification, the license or exemption reference and the end-use details on the order record so audits are quick.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many USML categories are there?

There are 21 categories, numbered I to XXI. Each category lists the covered articles, technical data and defense services in paragraphs. The official list is in 22 CFR 121.1 and is amended by rule from time to time.

Which USML category covers military electronics?

Category XI is titled Military Electronics, including items such as certain radar and electronic warfare equipment. Imaging and fire control items are in XII, and avionics specially designed for aircraft may be in VIII. The exact paragraph decides.

Does this tool classify my product?

No. It lists the categories for orientation. Classification needs analysis of the specific design against the current regulation, and sometimes a government determination. Work with your export compliance lead or counsel for decisions.

What is a 600 series ECCN?

These are Commerce Control List entries for military items that were moved from the USML to EAR control. They are numbered with a 6 in the position that identifies the group, for example 3A611 for certain military electronics.

Netray designs private, on-prem AI so controlled data stays inside your environment. We can discuss how classification fields could surface in your ERP.

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