European Commission
The European Commission (EC) is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, enforcing EU laws and directing the union's administrative operations.
What is dual-use? And why is it important?
Dual-use
The European Commission defines dual-use items as: “Goods, software and technology that can be used for both civilian and military applications.” The EU controls the export, transit, brokering and technical assistance of dual-use items so that it can contribute to international peace and security and prevent the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). The definition of a dual-use item is not black and white, there is a lot of grey area. Here the individual companies are asked to assess if their products could have a dual-use and if its strategically desirable to export these products to China. Chech the website of the European Commission for more insight into the EU's export control regime and additional EU restrictive measures that may apply to dual-use exports.
Central Import and Export Office
On an operational level the Customs Central Import and Export Office (CDIU), part of the Ministry of Finance, is responsible for providing information about and the issue of licenses for the import and export of these goods and services. The CDIU:
Provides information about the licence application procedure or about submitting the notification
Deals with your application
Issues the licences
Draws up reports on licences issued
They are responsible for the day to day processes surrounding export controls and regulations.
Export controls on strategic goods and services
Where the CDIU is responsible operationally the Export Controls of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is overseeing the strategic and policy making aspects. They look at four policy challenges:
Export of goods / technology transfer, export control
Investments / mergers and acquisitions, FDI screening
Exchange of people, technology control and guidance
Theft of insider information, cyber security and intel community
When you are unsure if the export of your product or service is strategically desirable from a dual-use or geopolitical point of view you can reach out to them. Also, when you have worries about unwanted technology transfers they can advise you.
Partners
Customs Central Import and Export Office (CDIU)
The Customs Central Import and Export Office (CDIU) is responsible for providing information about and the issue of licences for the import and export of these goods and services.
Export Controls - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The government controls the export of goods for military use and provides information about the export of strategic goods.
