USML Category V: explosives and energetic materials

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1. A list of substances

Category V of the United States Munitions List (USML) in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) covers "Explosives and Energetic Materials, Propellants, Incendiary Agents, and Their Constituents" (22 CFR 121.1). It lists substances rather than equipment. The category’s own interpretation says it contains explosives, energetic materials, propellants, pyrotechnics and specially formulated fuels for aircraft, missile and naval applications. Explosives are defined as solid, liquid or gaseous substances or mixtures required to detonate in primary, booster or main charges in warheads, demolition or other military applications.

The substances are grouped into seven families, followed by three further paragraphs (22 CFR 121.1). Paragraph (a) covers explosives and their mixtures, (b) propellants, (c) pyrotechnics, fuels and related substances, and (d) oxidizers. Paragraph (e) covers binders, (f) additives and (g) precursors. Paragraph (h) catches classified substances, (i) developmental ones funded by the Defense Department, and (j) technical data and defense services. Paragraphs (a), (b), (e) and (h) carry an asterisk, so their contents are Significant Military Equipment (22 CFR 120.10).

2. How the entries identify substances

Most entries name a compound and give its Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) registry number (22 CFR 121.1). A note warns that CAS numbers do not cover all the substances and mixtures controlled. They are given as examples to help agencies in license review and exporters in completing applications and export documents. Another note says each item has been placed by its most common use, with references to related controlled precursors where appropriate. A substance can therefore be controlled even where its CAS number is not listed.

Some entries carry the (MT) annotation for missile-relevant items listed by the Missile Technology Control Regime (22 CFR 120.10). In paragraph (b) the annotation applies to composite and composite modified double-base propellants (22 CFR 121.1).

3. Propellants and fuels

Paragraph (b) sets performance tests rather than names (22 CFR 121.1). It covers solid propellants with a theoretical specific impulse greater than 240 seconds for non-metallized, non-halogenated propellant, 250 seconds for non-metallized, halogenated propellant, or 260 seconds for metallized propellant. It also covers propellants with a force constant of more than 1,200 kJ/Kg, and those able to sustain a steady-state burning rate of more than 38 mm/s under stated standard conditions. Elastomer-modified cast double-based propellants with extensibility above 5% at 233 K (−40 °C), and other composite and composite modified double-base propellants, are covered too.

The category explains its measures (22 CFR 121.1). Theoretical specific impulse is calculated at standard conditions of 1000 psi chamber pressure expanded to 14.7 psi, based on shifting equilibrium. Particle size is the mean particle diameter on a weight basis. The controls may not be undermined by adding larger or smaller sized material to shift the mean.

Paragraph (c) covers pyrotechnics, fuels and related substances (22 CFR 121.1). It includes high energy density fuels above stated energy densities, metal fuels and mixtures of set purity and particle size, and mixtures with nanosized metal particles. Pyrotechnic and pyrophoric materials formulated to enhance or control radiated energy in the infrared spectrum are included. A note excludes JP-4, JP-8, fossil refined fuels and biofuels, and fuels for engines certified for civil aviation, from the high energy density fuel entry.

The remaining families are mostly lists of named compounds (22 CFR 121.1). Paragraph (d) names oxidizers, paragraph (e) binders and their mixtures, and paragraph (f) additives, with a note naming further compounds in one additive group. Paragraph (g) names eight precursors, one entry covering any molecule containing hexaazaisowurtzitane. One interpretation narrows the metal fuel entry, which does not apply to boron and boron carbide enriched with boron-10 at 20% or more of total boron-10 content.

4. When a controlled substance stops being controlled

The category sets a conversion rule (22 CFR 121.1). A product made by combining or converting a controlled substance into an uncontrolled item is no longer controlled, provided the controlled substance cannot easily be recovered by dissolution, melting, sieving or similar means. The examples use beryllium. Beryllium converted to a near net shape by hot isostatic processes gives an uncontrolled part, and a cured thermoset containing beryllium powder is not controlled unless it meets an explosive or propellant control. But controlled beryllium powder mixed with a typical propellant binder stays controlled, and so does dry beryllium powder with dry silica powder added.

A closing note moves some items to the Commerce Department (22 CFR 121.1). Except for the materials in paragraphs (c)(6), (h) and (i), items in the category are licensed by Commerce when incorporated into an item subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and classified under Export Control Classification Number 1C608.

The fuel entry also covers mixed fuels combining solid and liquid fuels, such as boron slurry, at a mass-based energy density of 40 MJ/kg or greater (22 CFR 121.1). Other high energy density fuels and additives are caught at 37.5 GJ per cubic meter or greater, measured at 20 °C and one atmosphere.

5. Classified, developmental and technical data

Paragraph (h), with an asterisk, catches any explosive, propellant, pyrotechnic, fuel, oxidizer, binder, additive or precursor that is classified or being developed using classified information (22 CFR 121.1). Paragraph (i) covers developmental substances funded by the Defense Department through a contract or other funding authorization. Substances already in production, released to the EAR by a commodity jurisdiction ruling, or funded for dual civil and military use fall outside it. It applies only to contracts and funding authorizations dated January 5, 2015, or later.

Paragraph (j) controls technical data and defense services directly related to paragraphs (a) to (i), with a cross-reference to nuclear related controls (22 CFR 121.1). Paragraph (x) covers accompanying Commerce items. Munitions that use these materials are covered in Category IV, rockets, missiles and munitions.

Key terms

Explosive	A substance or mixture required to detonate in a primary, booster or main charge in military use.
CAS number	A Chemical Abstract Service registry number, given as an example rather than a complete list.
Theoretical specific impulse	The propellant performance measure, calculated at set chamber conditions on shifting equilibrium.
Conversion rule	A controlled substance converted into an uncontrolled item is released if it cannot easily be recovered.
ECCN 1C608	The Commerce entry under which many Category V items are licensed once incorporated into EAR items.

Every statement above links to the document behind it. The full source list for this piece is on the sources page.

This page describes public United States government programs for general information. It is not legal, regulatory or procurement advice, and it does not address the facts of any particular case.

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