Diploma in ITAR/EAR and Technology Classification (ECCN/USML)
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in ITAR/EAR and technology classification (ECCN/USML). 8 modules covering the US export control system, ITAR and the USML, the EAR and the CCL, classification methodology, re-exports and de minimis, licences and authorisations and compliance and audit, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in ITAR/EAR and Technology Classification (ECCN/USML) — studying from Malta
Malta has a modest automotive presence, with the island's economy relying more on services than on vehicle manufacturing. Activity is mainly found in vehicle distribution, aftermarket servicing, and the supply of components and specialist workshops. Engineers interested in motorsport and performance vehicles can find opportunities with dealership groups, service centres and importers that support technical development and customer support. The market favours professionals who combine mechanical knowledge with an understanding of modern electronic and diagnostic systems used across contemporary vehicles.
Fees for Malta: €1,090 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Which professional bodies in Malta recognise automotive engineers, and does a private qualification give me a regulated title?
In Malta, the title 'engineer' is regulated by the Chamber of Engineers (KSU) under the Engineering Profession Act. Vehicle inspection and roadworthiness fall under Transport Malta. SEIUM qualifications are private qualifications, not official state degrees and not accredited by any national body, so they do not automatically confer a regulated title. Recognition is determined by employers or the relevant body.
What kinds of automotive and motorsport employers operate in Malta?
Malta has a limited automotive manufacturing base, so most relevant roles are in automotive service and distribution, fleet management, vehicle inspection, and suppliers serving wider European markets. Motorsport-related work is small and largely international. Employers will judge candidates on demonstrated skills and experience, so a private qualification should be presented alongside practical evidence.
How do I fit a 300 to 1,900-hour programme around a job, and how is the course taught?
Everything is delivered online in English with an assigned technical tutor, so there is no need to attend campus or obtain a visa. Specialist courses are around 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's 1,900 hours. Check your weekly time commitment against your job, and ask whether employer sponsorship or instalment payments could help with funding.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand the US export control system.
Classify items on the USML.
Assign ECCNs in line with the CCL.
Apply a documented classification methodology.
Assess re-exports and de minimis content.
Manage licences and authorisations.
Implement compliance and audit programmes.
Who it's for
- Export classification specialists assigning ECCNs and USML categories.
- ITAR compliance managers in aerospace and defence companies.
- Export licensing managers preparing BIS and DDTC applications.
- Foreign trade auditors reviewing classification and licensing records.
- Product engineers who take on classification responsibilities.
- Export control consultants advising European companies with US content.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into aerospace and defence.
What you'll work with
- International Traffic in Arms Regulations (22 CFR 120-130) (US controls on defence articles and services)
- Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR 730-774) (US controls on dual-use items)
- Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (statutory basis of US export controls)
- United States Munitions List (22 CFR 121) (ITAR control list)
- Commerce Control List (15 CFR 774, Supplement 1) (EAR control list)
- Regulation (EU) 2021/821 (EU dual-use regime)
- Wassenaar Arrangement (multilateral export control regime)
- SAP GTS
- Descartes Visual Compliance
- BIS SNAP-R
- DDTC DECCS
8 modules
1.1Export Control Reform Act of 20181.2Department of Commerce and BIS1.3Department of State and DDTC1.4EAR dual-use regulations1.5ITAR regulations on defence articles1.6OFAC and sanctions1.7Jurisdiction and how it is determined1.8Extraterritorial reach of the controls1.9Enforcement agencies1.10Case study: jurisdiction determination for a component
2.1Structure of the USML2.2Categories I to XXI2.3Defence articles and services2.4Control of technical data2.5Order of review2.6"Specially designed" criteria2.7Commodity Jurisdiction request2.8Registration with DDTC2.9ITAR exemptions2.10Workshop: USML classification of an optical system
3.1Structure of the Commerce Control List3.2Categories and product groups3.3Structure of ECCNs3.4Reasons for control3.5600 series and 9x5153.6Items classified as EAR993.7Technical notes and definitions3.8Country Chart3.9Classification of software and encryption3.10Practical exercise: ECCN classification of an electronic board
4.1"Specially designed" analysis4.2Review of technical parameters4.3Decision trees4.4Classification of technology4.5Classification of parts and components4.6Documented and traceable self-classification4.7CCATS requests to BIS4.8Management of classifications in the ERP4.9Common errors and prevention4.10Lab: classification decision tree
5.1De minimis rule5.2Calculation of controlled content5.3Foreign direct product rule5.4Re-exports from Europe5.5In-country transfers5.6Implications for European subsidiaries5.7Contracts with compliance clauses5.8Management of US suppliers5.9Penalty cases against foreign companies5.10Case study: de minimis calculation for a European system
6.1EAR licence exceptions6.2BIS licences6.3DSP-5 licences and TAA agreements6.4Manufacturing licence agreements (MLA)6.5Conditions and provisos6.6Management of active licences6.7Usage reporting6.8Deemed exports to foreign personnel6.9Technology control plans6.10Workshop: licence application for a technical service
7.1Compliance programme under BIS guidelines7.2Mandatory records and their retention7.3Internal compliance audits7.4Voluntary disclosure procedure7.5Civil and criminal penalties7.6Benchmark cases7.7Staff training7.8Visitor control7.9Compliance indicators7.10Practical exercise: audit of the classifications in a product catalogue
8.1Selection of products8.2Jurisdiction determination8.3Detailed product classification8.4Re-export analysis8.5Licensing plan8.6Technology control plan8.7Compliance programme8.8Conclusions and areas for improvement8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Training is 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so the programme fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original regulations and applied exercises. The working software is SAP GTS, Descartes Visual Compliance, BIS SNAP-R and DDTC DECCS, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Exercises are based on real procedures: ITAR or EAR jurisdiction determination, ECCN classification of electronic components and de minimis calculation for re-exports. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final capstone project.
Standards covered: International Traffic in Arms Regulations (22 CFR 120-130), Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR 730-774), Export Control Reform Act of 2018, United States Munitions List (22 CFR 121), Commerce Control List (15 CFR 774, Supplement 1), Regulation (EU) 2021/821, Wassenaar Arrangement.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with SAP GTS, Descartes Visual Compliance, BIS SNAP-R and DDTC DECCS, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a suitable computer and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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