Export Regulations of Night Vision Devices

All night vision devices in part or whole are strictly regulated by the US Department of State in accordance with the guidelines in the International Traffic in Arms (ITAR) per title 22, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 120-130.

Therefore, if you are outside the United States, INCLUDING Canada, you must obtain an export license.

The below excerpt is from Part 121 of the Code of Federal Regulations Title 22, Volume 1.

TITLE 22--FOREIGN RELATIONS

CHAPTER I--DEPARTMENT OF STATE

PART 121--THE UNITED STATES MUNITIONS LIST

Category XII

(c) Infrared focal plane array detectors specifically designed, modified or configured for military use; image intensification and other night sighting equipment or systems specifically designed, modified, or configured for military use; second generation and above military image intensification tubes (defined below) specifically designed, developed, modified or configured for military use, and infrared, visible and ultraviolet devices specifically designed, developed, modified, or configured for military application. Military second and third generation image intensification tubes and military infrared focal plane arrays identified in this subparagraph are licensed by the Department of Commerce (ECCN 6A02A and 6A03A) when a part of a commercial system (i.e. those systems originally designed for commercial use). This does not include any military system comprised of non-military specification components. Replacement tubes or focal plane arrays identified in this paragraph being exported for commercial systems are subject to the controls of the ITAR.

Note: Special Definition. For purposes of this subparagraph, second and third generation image intensification tubes are defined as having:

A peak response within the 0.4 to 1.05 micron wavelength range and incorporating a microchannel plate for electron image amplification having a hold pitch (center-to-center spacing) of less than 25 microns and having either:

(a) An S-20, S-25 or multialkali photocathode; or

(b) A GaAs, GaInAs, or other compound semiconductor photocathode.