The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is a multilateral export control regime, which functions as an informal political understanding among its member states, rather than a legally binding treaty. It was established in April 1987 by the G-7 industrialized countries—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States—to limit the proliferation of missiles and missile technology. The MTCR was created to solve the problem of the spread of unmanned delivery systems for Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), initially focusing on nuclear-capable missiles. In 1993, the focus was broadened to include missiles capable of delivering chemical and biological weapons.
The regime works through the MTCR Guidelines and the Equipment, Software and Technology Annex. The Annex divides controlled items into two categories: Category I and Category II. Category I items are the most sensitive, including complete rocket systems and unmanned aerial vehicle systems capable of delivering a payload of at least 500 kilograms to a range of at least 300 kilometers. Transfers of Category I items are subject to a "strong presumption of denial". Category II items are less sensitive, dual-use components and technology, for which members have more discretion.
The MTCR is one of four main multilateral export control regimes, connecting to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Australia Group, and the Wassenaar Arrangement. India became the 35th member of the MTCR on June 27, 2016, which bolstered its position for membership in other regimes. A recent change includes the United States' reinterpretation of its policy in 2020 and 2025 to treat certain unmanned aerial systems (UAS) with maximum speeds below 800 kilometers per hour as Category II items, relaxing the strict export restrictions for select partners.