To control the export of defense items, the U.S. government generally requires exporters to obtain a license from the State Department. However, a license is not required for the export of many defense items to Canada. Currently, the Canadian exemption is the only country-specific exemption to the licensing requirement. The exemption was temporarily scaled back when unauthorized re-exports and diversions to nations of concern occurred. It was renegotiated and changes were made in an attempt to address security concerns. In May 2000, the U.S. government announced the Defense Trade Security Initiative, which included a proposal to grant Canadian-like export licensing exemptions to other qualified countries. Since the initiative was announced, the State Department has been negotiating such exemptions with the United Kingdom and Australia. Because the exemption for Canada may serve as the model for these and other countries, you asked that we review how the exemption has been implemented and enforced and whether the experience offers any lessons learned.