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The main legal basis for controls on Dual-Use Goods is the EU Dual-Use Regulation (also known as Council Regulation (EC) No 428/2009).
This regulation is part of European Union law. It is directly applicable in all EU countries including the UK.
View information on:
Dual-Use items are goods, software or technology (documents, diagrams etc) which can be used for both civil and military applications. They can range from raw materials to components to complete systems, eg aluminium alloys, bearings, or lasers. They could also be items used in the production or development of military goods, eg machine tools, chemical manufacturing equipment and computers.
The EU first introduced legislation for the control of exports of dual-use items and technology in 2000, when the initial EU Dual-Use Regulation (EC Regulation 1334/2000) (as amended) was originally published.
In August 2009, the EU re-issued or re-cast the original regulation. The recast legislation (currently in force) is Council Regulation (EC) No 428/2009.
Further details with background about the introduction of the recast regulation are available in the ECO's Notices to Exporters as follows:
You can view a summary of changes under Current UK Strategic Export Control Legislation.
To keep up to date with legislation changes, you can view the ECO's Notices to Exporters. You can keep informed of export control issues by receiving Notices by email. To do so, simply: Join the ECO Mailing List.
The regulation comprises 4 annexes:
* This document is published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ).
Exporters will need to apply for an export licence for dual-use items which meet the defined performance characteristics detailed in the Regulation.
If you need further help in deciding if your goods need an export licence, you can either:
If the goods or destinations are controlled then you will need to apply for a licence. All licence applications are made via SPIRE.
You should also be aware of the list of countries where an arms embargo is in force. These are liable to change occasionally dependent on international events. For more information view the Current Arms Embargoes and Other Restrictions.
Export Control Organisation
Updated: 27 August 2009
