In order to implement the UN arms embargo on Libya of 26 February 2011, the EU member states adopted Council Decision 2011/137 on 28 February 2011 which led to EU Council Regulation 204/2011 of 2 March 2011.
In addition to the UN embargo on the supply of military equipment to Libya, the EU also prohibited trade with Libya in equipment which might be used for internal repression.
Following the amendments of 16 September 2011 of the UN arms embargo on Libya the EU embargo was amended to allow the transfer of arms to the new Libyan authorities under the condition that such transfers would be notified to the Sanctions Committee in advance and in the absence of a negative decision by the Committee within five working days of such a notification. Also allowed were transfers of small arms, light weapons and related materiel, temporarily exported to Libya for the sole use of United Nations personnel, representatives of the media and humanitarian and development workers and associated personnel, notified to the Committee in advance and in the absence of a negative decision by the Committee within five working days of such a notification. The amendment was part of Council Decision 2011/625 was implemented by EU Council Regulation 965/2011.