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Guidance on the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) End-Use Control

The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and missiles for their delivery poses a threat to regional and global stability. A wide range of industrial items and materials can assist WMD programmes and would-be proliferators. The most critical items appear on the UK Strategic Export Control Lists. However, there are also many other less sensitive items which may be licensable if used in a WMD programme.

The UK Government has the power to make such items licensable on a one-off basis, for instance when they might be used for "WMD purposes". These powers are controlled by the so called "Catch-All" or End-Use Control in the Export Control Order 2008. (NOTE: Separate guidance is available on the Military End-Use Control)

The WMD end-use control can in theory be applied in a very wide range of cases where an end-user is involved in WMD in a country outside the EU. In practice we apply it sparingly. As an exporter we know you want predictability but, unfortunately that is not always possible because of the diverse nature of WMD programmes, the goods they seek and the methods used to acquire them. However we are committed to putting information into the public domain to help you forestall export licensing problems in the conduct of your business.

The attached document covers more detail on the following:

• Background to the control;
• Reference to separate Guidance on the Controls on Transfer of Technology by any means and provision of technical assistance for relevant use
• What exporters need to check
• When the end-use control is invoked and refusals
• How applications are assessed by the ECO
• Goods and Destinations of concern

The Annexes cover:

• how exporters can recognise suspicious enquiries;
• the mechanics of the ratings and licence application process; and
• descriptions of goods for which export licences were refused on end-use grounds since 2002

See the:

Export Control Organisation: guidance on the WMD end use control (74KB)

Iran: End-Users

The Export Control Organisation publishes a supplement to its general information on WMD End-Use Control concerning end-users in Iran. 

Along with the guidance is a list of Iranian entities which is intended to help you judge which exports might potentially be of concern on end use grounds, based on previous licensing decisions.

The list may be amended from time to time and should be checked regularly if you are planning business with Iran. 

Access the "Iran List" - WMD End-Use Control: Licence Applications for Iran.

Export Control Organisation

Updated: 2 June 2009