What is the first level of DDTC certification used for?

The first level of DDTC (Directorate of Defense Trade Controls) certification is primarily focused on assessing export compliance. The certification establishes whether an organization is adhering to the regulations surrounding the export of defense articles and services. By ensuring that these organizations meet compliance requirements, the certification ultimately helps protect national security by regulating how items that can affect defense and military capabilities are handled.

Assessing export compliance is crucial for organizations engaged in the defense trade, as it encompasses a broad range of factors including understanding the laws governing such exports, maintaining appropriate records, and ensuring that individuals involved in these processes are properly trained. This initial level of certification is specifically designed to ensure that entities can effectively identify any potential compliance issues before they escalate, thereby contributing to a secure and regulated export environment.

The focus on compliance at this level lays the groundwork for more specialized evaluations that may follow but centers on ensuring all transactions and activities related to defense export are conducted within the legal frameworks established by U.S. law.