New DDTC "Response Team" Answers Questions on the Export and Temporary Import of USML Defense Articles and Services

(DDTC is charged with controlling the export and temporary import of defense articles and defense services covered by the U.S. Munitions List (USML). It has among its primary missions (a) taking final action on license applications for defense trade exports and (b) handling matters related to defense trade compliance, enforcement, and reporting.)

DDTC states that when used in conjunction with its new D-Trade hotline and its existing Case Status telephone line, the DDTC Response Team can significantly facilitate exporter defense trade solutions while affording DDTC licensing officers more time for casework.

Response Team Staff Will Answer Basic USML Export Process and Status Questions, Etc.

According to DDTC, the staff of its Response Team will field inquiries from exporters via telephone and email and will answer basic process and status questions (e.g., license status, licensing procedures, use of DDTC forms, etc.). The DDTC Response Team will also assist exporters in identifying what they need to do to get answers to more complex questions involving licensing and registration issues.

DDTC states that by handling telephone calls from industry and the public, the Response Team will support the work of licensing and compliance officers by allowing them to focus on their core activities.

DDTC sources state that the goal is to have the Response Team telephone lines staffed by three DDTC employees on Monday through Friday, during the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time). DDTC sources have also stated that another goal is to have 90% of questions answered on the call and 100% of questions answered within 24 hours.

DDTC sources note that this new Response Team is meant to replace its previous telephone answering system which was difficult to maneuver and would not provide easy access to DDTC staff.

According to DDTC, exporters with questions should telephone the Response Team at 202-663-1282 or email their questions to DDTCResponseTeam@state.gov.

Response Team is Not a Substitute for Advisory Opinions, CJ Requests, Etc.

DDT cautions that the Response Team is not a substitute or replacement for the advisory opinion, general correspondence, and commodity jurisdiction (CJ) processes, and that exporters should still use these mechanisms to obtain authoritative guidance from DDTC on their export issues.

New D-Trade Telephone Hot Line is alsoavailable to Answer Exporter Questions

DDTC states that it has also established a D-Trade telephone hot line (202-663-2838) to answer exporters' questions about the mechanics of the new D-Trade electronic licensing system and to trouble shoot any technical difficulties users might encounter with electronic filing.

(On January 15, 2004, the DDTC's D-Trade electronic licensing system became operational. According to DDTC, D-Trade's electronic licensing system can receive and adjudicate fully electronic defense export authorization requests properly submitted by any U.S. person who is a defense trade registrant and wishes to permanently export unclassified defense articles via the Form DSP-5 or furnish defense services via Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs).

See ITT's Online Archives or 01/27/04 news, 04012710, for BP summary on D-Trade. See future issues of ITT for additional details on the D-Trade electronic licensing system.)

Case Status Lines Will Continue to Operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays

DDTC states that its Case Status telephone lines (202-663-2863/2864/2801) will continue to operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays during regular office hours.

However, DDTC sources stated by phone that exporters seeking case status information at times other than Tuesdays and Thursdays may contact the Response Team to obtain such information.

Response Team announcement available at www.pmdtc.org/response_team.htm.