Dual-use export controls

Dual-use items are goods and technologies that may be used for both civilian and military purposes. Dual-use export controls cover a wide range of products and technologies and affect not only manufacturers but also transport providers, academia and research institutions. Their key contribution to international security has been helping to prevent the supply of goods and technologies that may contribute to illegal weapons of mass destruction programmes. However, in recent years there has been an increased focus on the role they can play in other areas, including preventing acts of terrorism and human rights abuses and controlling the trade in cyber-surveillance systems.

SIPRI’s work on dual-use export controls focuses on the development and implementation of national laws and regulations, United Nations and European Union arms embargoes, the EU Dual-Use Regulation, the Wassenaar Arrangement, the Missile Technology Control Regime, the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Australia Group and UN Security Council Resolution 1540.