Joint Certification Program: U.S. - Canada

The U.S. and Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 1985 that established the U.S. - Canada Joint Certification Program (JCP).  The JCP "certifies access to unclassified technical data on an equally favorable basis to contractors of each country" through the U.S-Canada Joint Certification Office (JCO), which is located in the Defense Logistics Information Service (DLIS).  For University of Michigan (U-M) researchers, a JCP authorization is required when you plan to attend a meeting or a conference where unclassified technical data will be shared, used, or disclosed.

If you are attending a meeting or conference where unclassified technical data will be disclosed, a Joint Certification Program (JCP) number may be required. The U-M holds an approved Military Technical Data Agreement DD Form 2345. The U-M Export Control Officer will provide you with the JCP certification number listed on the DD2345.

Regulations & Definitions

Unclassified technical data is defined by the U.S. Defense Directive 5230.25 and by the Canadian Technical Data Control Regulations to include any of the following:

• Technical data with military or space application
• Blueprints, drawings, plans, instructions, computer software or documentation
• Other technical information that can be used (or be adapted for use) to design, engineer, produce, manufacture, operate, repair, overhaul, or reproduce any military or space equipment or technology concerning such equipment 

Approval Process

If you are required to use U-M’s DD2345 always work with the U-M Export Control Officer prior to attending a meeting/conference where unclassified technical data will be disclosed in order to:

• Confirm your need of U-M’s DD2345 number 
• Complete the Access to Military Critical Data – Form DD2345 Acknowledgement and Use Form
• Obtain U-M's number for use on meeting/conference registration forms, etc.
• Discuss the future need for and establishment of a Technology Control Plan (TCP) to manage any export controlled data or materials from the meeting/conference

If you bring any unclassified technical data, or any material labeled "export controlled" back with you from a meeting/conference, immediately contact the U-M Export Control Officer for guidance.