Thermal scopes and ITAR

[Razorback]

I’m wanting to take my thermal monocular to Zimbabwe next month. Anyone have insight into how hard it is to obtain ITAR temporary clearance? Or any other issues which may arise by traveling with restricted devices?

 

[mdwest]

neither cheap or easy Im afraid.. and with thermals its really going to depend on which make/model you're talking about as to whether or not they will issue a license..

the first step is you're going to have to register with DDTC.. the cost to register with DDTC is either $3K or $4K depending on which tier of registration you require..

after that you file a DSP73 with the state dept (done online)... and they will either issue you a license, or not..

If you're wanting to temp export a thermal that would cost you even $4K on the local economy in South Africa to purchase, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to go through the licensing process.. just arrange for either your PH to pick one up for you or plan on a 1 day layover in South Africa and pick one up yourself..

Getting an ITAR regulated item into the US isn't a problem.. you don't need a license to bring a thermal to the US (although they might try to hit you for a duty/tax/fee)..

The problem is getting one out of the US..

There are lots of thermal monocular options available on the local economy in South Africa.. prices are higher than in the US.. but cheaper than the cost of DDTC registration...

Night Vision and Thermal

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[pattesonfamily]

It's my understanding that it takes between 60 and 120 days to get a decision once registered as MDWEST notes

 

[Razorback]

Thank you for the detailed reply. You have completely dissuaded me from the notion of traveling with my thermal.

 

[mdwest]

It's my understanding that it takes between 60 and 120 days to get a decision once registered as MDWEST notes

we havent had to apply for a license recently.. but... they have definitely slowed down on approvals lately.. my guess with all of the people at DOS that took the buy out option a few months ago that they're running on a skeleton crew right now in DDTC and that its going to take more than 120 days to get a license for anything that isn't directly tied to servicing a US government customer or contract..

we have a hard time getting anyone to answer the freaking phone in certain departments within the USG right now.. the SBA in particular is decimated in some offices.. like literally NO ONE left on the payroll that we can find in some places...