III. The multilateral export control regimes

Chapter:

14. Dual-use and arms trade controls

Source:

SIPRI Yearbook 2020

Author(s):

Mark Bromley

The four main multilateral export control regimes—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)—are informal groups of states which coordinate trade controls on goods and technologies that have uses in connection with chemical, biological, nuclear and conventional weapons (table 14.3).¹ The four regimes take all decisions by consensus and are politically rather than legally binding. Their participating states implement the controls prescribed by the regimes through national laws. The regimes also have an important norm-setting function beyond their membership.² In particular, many nonparticipating states have voluntarily decided to adhere to regime guidelines, adopt regime control lists and follow regime-issued guidance. The regimes also serve an important information-exchange function. The participating states share information on export licence denials and licences granted, and provide a framework in which policy, licensing, enforcement, technical and intelligence officers can meet and discuss implementation and proliferation challenges.