What is the Arms Export Control Act?
The Arms Export Control Act (Title 22, Chapter 39 of the U.S. Code) is the statutory authority whereby the U.S. president can control the export of arms and defense services to foreign nations.AuthorityExecutive Order 11958 delegated the presidential authority to control U.S. arms exports to the secretary of state.PurposeThe purpose of the law is to limit sales of U.S. arms only under certain conditions, including self-defense, internal security, prevention of nuclear arms proliferation and participation in United Nations-sponsored efforts to maintain international security.ProhibitionsThe law prohibits the sale or transfer of arms, services or defense technologies that would end up supporting terrorism, contribute to an arms race, lessen regional or international stability or undermine existing arms control agreements.Missile TechnologyThe law specifically prohibits the transfer of missile equipment or technologies by private American citizens and makes such transfers a criminal offen
