Get familiar with international export control regimes

They have been in existence for decades and are just as important today as they were 50 years ago: export control regimes. If you are active in the extensive world of international export it is crucial that you are familiar with the rules and regulations surrounding export control regimes. In this article, we will delve deeper into the phenomenon and show you some of the most important laws.

What are export control regimes?

Before we delve into the content of international export control legislation, it is important to define the subject. Export control regimes are laws, regulations and agreements surrounding the export from one country to another. These are put in place to control the export of military or dual-use (items that can be used for both military and civilian purposes) goods, technologies and even sensitive information. The main goal of these international export regimes is to protect national security and prevent the spreading of potentially destructive military technologies. Organizations that want to export sensitive goods are required to obtain export licenses to be allowed export rights.

The difference between unilateral and multilateral export control regimes

International export control regimes can be either unilateral and multilateral. The difference lies in how they are established and enforced:

  • Unilateral export control regimes are established by individual countries. A country regulates the export of this specific regime independently. An example can be found in the United States (US). The laws within the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) regulate the export of dual-use goods and military technologies from the US.

 

  • Multilateral export control regimes are a cooperative form of rules and guidelines to regulate the export of sensitive goods and technologies. This is usually imposed through an international agreement. An example is the Wassenaar Arrangement, in which the export of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies is controlled with the aim of preventing these items from falling into the hands of terrorists.

Our solution pillars

We offer a unique Export Control & Compliance program, called the “A4 approach”. The A4 aproach, combines solid compliance structure with Lean Six Sigma / Lean Thinking techniques. Why? Because it is simple, easy to understand and a perfect base to find the compliance starting point withing your organization

Aware

Most companies are not aware of sanctions & export control regulations. We create awareness by straight forward, to-the-point training.

Assess

What is the maturity of your sanction & export control compliance? We have developed a lean compliance assesment tool called SCAN365.

Adapt

Now you’re aware of the gaps in your compliance process, fixing them is the next challenge. Translating the gaps in your processes into solid solutions.

Assist

Outside assistance and coaching will keep you sharp. Because you can’t know everything in the volatile domains of sanctions & export controls.

Important multilateral export control regimes

Currently there are multilateral export control regimes:

  • Nuclear Suppliers Group (1974): control of nuclear and nuclear-related technology.
  • Australia Group (1985): control of chemical and biological technology that could be weaponized.
  • Missile Technology Control Regime (1987): control of rockets capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction.
  • Wassenaar Arrangement (1996): export controls for conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies.

A short history of export control regimes

International export control regimes do not emerge overnight. After World War II, the first concerns surrounding the export of sensitive goods, technologies and information emerged. These concerns grew exponentially during the Cold War, when the risk of nuclear war was always lurking. Already in the 1970s, the Nuclear Suppliers Group regime was established. In this arrangement, several countries promised to regulate and control the export of nuclear and nuclear-related technology. In the 1990s, the Wassenaar Arrangement followed. This reflected the increased cooperation between the former Soviet Union and western countries. As globalization has been growing in the last few decades, so has technological innovation. International governments are therefore working together more than ever to ensure security and protection of human rights.

Work together with experts within the field of export control

Export Control Group has extensive experience in international supply chain management, customs, change management and executive management. It is very common to be unaware of the risks and responsibilities that come with exporting goods from one country to another. We came up with the A4 approach to start with compliance within your organization. Do you want to go even further and mitigate as much export risks as possible? Discover our Export Control Officer as a Service™ for expert knowledge and assistance when you most need it. Get in touch with Export Control Group and find out what best fits your organization

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