Ethiopia: Washington lifts ITAR restriction on arms exports

The United States lifted the ITAR provision on September 18, 2026, that had placed Ethiopia under a presumption of denial for export licenses for defense materials and services intended for its armed forces, police, and security services.

The final rule published in the Federal Register took effect on the same day. It removes Ethiopia from paragraph 126.1(n), in accordance with a decision made by the U.S. Secretary of State on February 5.

This removal does not equate to an automatic authorization for arms sales. License applications for ITAR-controlled activities involving Ethiopia must be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the U.S. Defense Trade Controls Directorate.

Washington had established this presumption of denial in 2021 during the Tigray war, amid significant humanitarian concerns and human rights violations. The measure specifically targeted transfers to the armed forces, police, intelligence, and other domestic security services.

The change had already been effectively in place since May 11. The DDTC had announced the end of the U.S. embargo and indicated that license applications would again be considered individually, pending the formal amendment of the regulatory text.

The Reporter Ethiopia and Addis Standard confirmed on Saturday the publication of the rule, presenting it as the regulatory completion of the lifting of restrictions imposed during the Tigray conflict. The Federal Register notes that the removal of the Ethiopian entry is part of a broader set of ITAR modifications.

This regulatory easing occurs in a still tense security environment. In its travel advisory dated August 27, the U.S. State Department continues to maintain a “do not travel” level for Tigray and the border with Eritrea due to risks of armed conflict and unrest.