It seems that just today the GAO was testifying before Congress about the ease at which it was able to purchase IR flags. Granted, there are no restrictions on the sale of the technology within the US to US citizens but of course they can be easily rerouted overseas. Apparently, the company in question has an “Internet storefront that states it specializing in designing modified battle dress uniforms and other uniform accessories used by modern-day warriors.” The undercover agents succeeded in purchasing $78 worth of IR flags without being required to produce a valid Military ID card despite the company’s claims it requires purchasers to do so. In the end, GAO contacted the firm’s vendor and they will no longer authorize them to sell IR flags.
Read the entire report here.
Remember IR identifiers cannot be exported due to ITAR restrictions.