Abstract

The export control of dual‐use goods and technologies is now an important part of the international fight against the proliferation of unconventional weapons. In recent years, many countries, including members of the European Union, adopted a “catch‐all” clause which allows submitting to authorization goods and products that are usually uncontrolled. If this system resulted in additional work for governments and exporting companies, it has primarily enabled authorities to adjust their controls to rapid technological change and to the risks posed by some end‐users and thereby to prevent unwanted exports from taking place against the strategic interests of the exporting country.

Key words : export controls, dual‐use, “catch‐all” clause, non conventional weapons, non‐proliferation.