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Unit 12Export Control
All chapters
  1. 1. Introduction
  2. 2. Multilateral instruments and standards for arms export controls
  3. 3. Multilateral instruments and standards for dual-use export controls
  4. 4. The development of arms and dual-use export control instruments by and through the European Union
  5. 5. The national implementation of export controls
  6. 6. Summary and reflections on the future of export controls
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Export Control

This learning unit aims to enhance understanding of the illicit proliferation of SALW, policy instruments for controlling illicit SALW proliferation and the key challenges that hinder effective policy implementation.

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Chapters

  1. 1. Introduction

  2. 2. Multilateral instruments and standards for arms export controls

  3. 3. Multilateral instruments and standards for dual-use export controls

  4. 4. The development of arms and dual-use export control instruments by and through the European Union

  5. 5. The national implementation of export controls

  6. 6. Summary and reflections on the future of export controls

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

In this learning unit

  • you will be introduced to the rationale behind arms and dual-use export controls, and to what these controls cover.
  • you will be introduced to the scope, actors and main elements of a national export control system.
  • you will be introduced to the multilateral instruments which provide standards for export controls, and how these have developed over time.
  • you will learn about the arms and dual-use export control instruments developed by and through the European Union (EU).
  • you will learn how arms and dual-use export controls are implemented at the national level.
  • you will learn about the current challenges associated with the implementation of arms and dual-use export controls, and how these challenges are being addressed.

Credits

  • Lauriane Héau profile image

    Lauriane Héau

    Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

    Lauriane Héau (France) is a Researcher with SIPRI’s Dual-Use and Arms Trade Control Programme. As part of her work, she follows developments within the main instruments and regulations established to regulate the arms and dual-use trade at the national, european and international levels. Her recent work focused on the MTCR, the impact of NewSpace, and intangible transfers of technology. She also conducts research on mitigating arms diversion risks, and follows developments within the Arms Trade Treaty.

  • Giovanna Maletta profile image

    Giovanna Maletta

    Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

    Giovanna Maletta (Italy) is a Senior Researcher with SIPRI’s Dual-Use and Arms Trade Control Programme. Her research work at SIPRI examines issues related to the implementation of national, multilateral and international export control standards and instruments, with a particular focus on EU engagement with arms export policies and the ATT. Giovanna’s work also involves mapping cooperation and assistance activities in the field of arms transfer and SALW controls.

  • Kolja Brockmann profile image

    Kolja Brockmann

    Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

    Kolja Brockmann (Germany) is an independent consultant and a Senior Researcher (non-resident) with SIPRI’s Dual-Use and Arms Trade Control Programme. His recent work has focused on the multilateral export control regimes, post-shipment controls, and non-proliferation and export control challenges linked to additive manufacturing, hypersonic missile technology and the NewSpace industry. Kolja routinely gives lectures and presentations to a range of audiences, provides policy advice and contributes to export control capacity-building programmes.

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Disclosures

Content Warning

This learning unit may contain audio-visual material or texts, which may not be suitable for all audiences.

Funding

This Learning Unit was produced with financial assistance from the European Union. The contents of this Learning Unit are however the sole responsibility of the author(s) and should under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.

External Links

The site may contain hyperlink text references (’Links’) to other sites that are offered by third parties. These Links are made available solely for the purpose of information and as an additional service for users. Only the respective operator is responsible for all content and statements on linked Internet sites. Therefore, PRIF cannot guarantee the correctness and accuracy or any other aspect of third party sites.

Preferred Citation

Lauriane Héau, Giovanna Maletta and Kolja Brockmann, "Export Control" in EUNPDC eLearning, ed. Niklas Schörnig, Peace Research Institute Frankfurt. Available at https://eunpdc-elearning.netlify.app/lu-12/, last modified 22 May 2025

Editorial Note

This is a beta version of the learning unit, which is regularly optimised. Please report any factual errors or discrepancies to the publisher. (support(at)nonproliferation-elearning.eu). Please note that although the original text was written by the authors, the video production and simplifications were carried out by PRIF.

The EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament eLearning Course aims to cover all aspects of the EU non-proliferation and disarmament agenda. It's produced by PRIF with financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of individual learning units are the sole responsibility of the respective authors and don't necessariy reflect the position of the European Union.