--- title: How to Be ITAR Compliant When Translating Sensitive Documents (Clone) description: ITAR compliance is critical for translating sensitive documents. Here is everything you need to know to be ITAR compliant with your document translations. image: https://www.lingualinx.com/hubfs/itar%20compliance.jpg --- [![LinguaLinx logo](https://www.lingualinx.com/hubfs/assets-2024/images/logos/logo-full-color.svg) ](https://www.lingualinx.com/) - [ Solutions ](https://www.lingualinx.com/solutions) - - [ Services ](https://www.lingualinx.com/services) - [ Translation ](https://www.lingualinx.com/services/translation) - [ Localization ](https://www.lingualinx.com/services/localization) - [ Interpretation ](https://www.lingualinx.com/services/interpretation) ![](https://www.lingualinx.com/hubfs/assets-2024/images/illustrations/solutions-dropdown.svg) - [ By Industry ](https://www.lingualinx.com/industries) - [ Educational ](https://www.lingualinx.com/industries/education) - [ Government & Non-Profit ](https://www.lingualinx.com/industries/government-non-profit) - [ Healthcare ](https://www.lingualinx.com/industries/medical-interpretation-translation) - 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[ASL](https://www.lingualinx.com/test-blog/tag/asl) - [ITAR](https://www.lingualinx.com/test-blog/tag/itar) - [Website Translation Services](https://www.lingualinx.com/test-blog/tag/website-translation-services) - [World Languages](https://www.lingualinx.com/test-blog/tag/world-languages) - [interpretation](https://www.lingualinx.com/test-blog/tag/interpretation) [Subscribe](https://www.lingualinx.com/test-blog/itar-compliance-for-translating-documents-0#blog-subscribe-modal) - [Translation](https://www.lingualinx.com/test-blog/tag/translation) # How to Be ITAR Compliant When Translating Sensitive Documents (Clone) January 1, 1970 4 min read - - - - ![language service provider working on document itar compliance](https://www.lingualinx.com/hs-fs/hubfs/itar%20compliance.jpg?width=760&height=550&name=itar%20compliance.jpg) [The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)](https://www.deltek.com/en/government-contracting-guide/compliance/itar) is a set of US Government regulations administered by the US Department of State’s [Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)](https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public). Together they protect the US’s national security and support their foreign policy. These regulations control the import and export of defense goods and services (including weaponry and military equipment), ensuring any private and/or sensitive information is kept secure and doesn’t get into the wrong hands.  And they extend to wholesalers, contractors, distributors, third-party suppliers, and computer software/hardware vendors across the supply chain. ## **How ITAR Affects the Language Services Industry** At LinguaLinx, we have a diverse range of clients in many industries. We’re used to having to understand not only the businesses we work with but the industries they’re in. This is why we use [translators](https://www.lingualinx.com/services/translation-services) with not only target language capability but also industry experience.  Any [Language Service Provider (LSP)](https://www.lingualinx.com/blog/language-services-provider-definition) working alongside military contractors must adhere to ITAR.  Any and every [document that needs translating needs to be ITAR-compliant](https://www.lingualinx.com/itar-compliance), including: - Datasheets - Interface manuals - MSDS and PSDS - Multilingual presentations - Operation and maintenance manuals - Patents and engineering specifications - Product catalogs - Technical and manufacturing manuals - Technical documents and drawings - User manuals ## **Becoming ITAR Compliant - Can You do it Yourself?** You can become ITAR-compliant and translate documents yourself; however, with the registration fees and wait time (up to 45 days), you could be liable for civil and criminal penalties if anything goes awry. For this reason, it’s best to use an LSP who’s been down that road before. Here at LinguaLinx, we’re registered with the DDTC, which makes us one of the few LSPs who meet the geographic personnel and infrastructure requirements to safeguard such sensitive information and protect our customers from penalties.  In short, the simplest and safest option is to go with an LSP. We’re not saying it has to be with us, but there are a few key things you should be aware of when it comes to ITAR compliance.  When choosing an LSP for your ITAR-compliant translation project, ensure they: ### **Classify Sensitive Data** First thing’s first, you need to locate and secure all your sensitive data.  Get everything into one place and classify it based on business policy.  By doing the prep and knowing what you have to work with, you and your LSP will be in a better place to ensure nothing is missed. ### **Put Robust Data Security Processes In Place** Information security should be a top priority for LSPs as it is, but when it comes to ITAR, an even more robust and stringent set of protocols is needed.  These will help prevent data leaks and security violations, including: - A secure, firewall-protected network - Regular monitoring and testing of networks, network resources, and security processes - Regular updates to security protocols (particularly in response to emerging threats) - Unique IDs for each person who can access documents ### **Provide Secure File Transfers** Sharing and exporting files is a necessary part of document translation, and in a high-stakes context such as this, they must all go through a secure file transfer process that meets ITAR specifications. This includes end-to-end encryption through a secure transfer portal, and access to the portal should be cryptographically secured too.  These channels should also be monitored and routinely tested to check for any vulnerability that could lead to a security breach. ### **Ensure Complete Control Over Data** Control over data doesn’t just include the data itself (and making sure it sits on a secure network), but over the people who can access it as well.  Be sure to identify all users and what folder and file permissions they have; create and check audit logs to see who’s accessed what and when; and identify and deactivate any users that no longer work on the project. ### **Conduct Background Checks On Non-US-Based Staff** Unless located in the US (and working on a US-based server), any language expert you use will need to undergo rigorous background checks and be cleared before any work can commence. Be sure to build this process into any project timelines.  Language Service Providers, on the other hand, will have access to an extensive network of language experts who have already met these requirements. ## **Get A Quote For Your ITAR-Compliant Translation Project** Considering translating sensitive documents under ITAR regulations? Let's navigate this complex terrain together. Benefit from our [obligation-free consultation](https://www.lingualinx.com/request-consultation) at no cost. With LinguaLinx, safeguarding the integrity of your sensitive documents is paramount. Our[ ISO 17100](https://www.lingualinx.com/blog/what-is-iso-17100-why-important) and [ISO 9001](https://www.lingualinx.com/blog/what-is-iso-9001) certifications, combined with two decades of specialized translation expertise, ensure meticulous handling. Trust in our longstanding reputation with esteemed organizations to deliver ITAR-compliant translations. ### **Continue Learning With These Helpful Articles** - [What Does a Language Service Provider Do?](https://www.lingualinx.com/blog/language-services-provider-definition) - [How to Choose a Language Service Provider](https://www.lingualinx.com/blog/how-to-choose-language-service-provider) - [How Language Translation Services are Priced](https://www.lingualinx.com/blog/language-translation-services-cost)   [![choosing a language service provider checklist CTA](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4606280/842ac530-4764-4ac0-b421-a63228732f3d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4606280/842ac530-4764-4ac0-b421-a63228732f3d) ## Related Articles [![team evaluates quality assurance in translation process](https://www.lingualinx.com/hs-fs/hubfs/quality%20assurance%20in%20translations.jpg?width=450&height=250&name=quality%20assurance%20in%20translations.jpg) What is Quality Assurance in Translation Projects? 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