III. The multilateral export control regimes

Chapter:

14. Dual-use and arms trade controls

Source:

SIPRI Yearbook 2021

Author(s):

Andrea Edoardo Varisco

The four main multilateral export control regimes are the Australia Group (AG), the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-use Goods and Technologies (Wassenaar Arrangement, WA).¹ The regimes are informal groups of states which coordinate trade controls and related policies, and exchange information and good practices on trade in goods and technologies that have uses in connection with chemical, biological, nuclear and conventional weapons and their means of delivery (table 14.3). Each of the regimes takes decisions by consensus and their agreed common rules and control lists are politically rather than legally binding. The states participating in a regime implement the regime-prescribed controls through national laws. A large and increasing number of states that are not participating in the regimes adopt regime control lists and adhere to regime guidelines and regime-issued guidance. The regimes thus have an important international norm-setting function beyond their membership.² For the participating states, the regimes also serve an important information-exchange function, as they facilitate sharing of information about (a) export licence denials, and in some cases licences granted; (b) enforcement and prosecution cases; and (c) best practices among national policy and licensing officials, technical experts, and enforcement and intelligence officers.