Joint Certification Program – U.S. and Canada
For Defense Contractors
Information Sharing for Military Contractors
The Joint Certification Program (JCP) allows for shared access to unclassified Militarily Critical Technical Data (MCTD) between the United States and Canada. This program allows for sharing of export controlled data between businesses in the two countries for legitimate while maintaining national security and the protection of that technology from common adversaries.
MCTD includes drawings, software, operating instructions, blueprints, and technical information related to military or space equipment. These types of data are enumerated under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP).
Joint Certification Program History
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in 1985 between the United States and Canada that established the JCP. This MOU is in accordance with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 5320.25 and the Canadian Technical Data Control Regulations (TDCR).
The U.S./Canada Joint Certification Program Office, which is located in Battle Creek, Michigan, administers this program. This agency is staffed by the DoD and Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND). The office processes approximately 9,000 requests per year.
Instances of JCO Applicability
The JCO is applicable to defense contractors in the United States in following situations:
- The organization has received unclassified MCTD as approved by either the DoD or DND
- To arrange visits to other JCP contractor facilities or DOD and DND facilities
- To bid on defense contracts whose unclassified MCTD is restricted to certain organizations
- Representatives of the business are to attend meetings of JCP contractors such as:
- symposia
- meetings where project requirements are to be released
- program briefings
Filing Process for Joint Certification
To file for certification a contractor must agree to terms and conditions specified in the Military Critical Technical Data Agreement (DD form 2345). This form must be updated and resubmitted if there are any changes to information provided in the form. No fees are required for this filing. The completed form should be electronically submitted at least 60 days prior to required activities.
Upon receipt of an application, the JCO is assigned a tracking number and is sent to an agency researcher for verification. If the information provided is correct and complete it is forwarded to be processed for certification. If errors are found in the form, it is returned with explanations of those errors and instructions on what should be done to provide corrections.
Defense Logistic Agency Information
Once an organization is certified with the Joint Certification Program, they will have access to the JCP Search. To get access, businesses in the United States will need to supply their certification number and CAGE code. Canadian businesses will require their certification number and NATO CAGE code (NCAGE).
U.S. Canadian Trade Advantage
The United States and Canada’s unique relationship among the worlds nations creates many opportunities for enterprises to expand their business horizons. There can be however, complexities involved when dealing with the regulations and requirements of both nations. This is especially the case with the export of defense related items and services because of fines, penalties, and imprisonment for failures to comply.
CVG Strategy Export Compliance Expertise
Our export compliance consultants can assist your business in the applicable laws and regulations involved with U.S. and Canadian defense and dual use products and service.
CVG Strategy export compliance experts have over a decade of experience in assisting businesses establish and maintain export compliance programs. We can answer your export compliance questions to keep your organization in compliance to regulations. We can also provide essential training to ensure that your team is up to date on ever changing export law. Be sure to visit our ITAR store for badges, signs, and visitor guides to keep your facility secure.
How Can We Help?
CVG Strategy provides expertise to businesses in Quality Management, Product Test and Evaluation, Cybersecurity, and Export Compliance. Learn more about how we can help your organization by contacting us today.
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