Export control laws are federal laws implemented both by the Department of Commerce through its Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the Department of State through its International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). They prohibit the unlicensed export of certain materials or information for reasons of national security or the protection of trade. Following the events of September 11, 2001, the export control regulations became more prominent and scrutiny concerning compliance with these regulations has been heightened.