Dual-use goods and dual-use items

Dual-use items are goods, software and technology that can be used for both civilian and military applications. The term “dual-use goods” is often incorrectly used in the common use of everyday language when actually “dual-use items” are meant. While the term “goods” typically refers to commodities in this context, the term “item” encompasses goods as well as software and technology.

Different export control regimes across the globe control the export, transit, brokering, and technical assistance of dual-use items as part of their mission to contribute to international peace and security and prevent the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). 

For this purpose, national and international lists of dual-use goods, software, and technology are issued by governing export control bodies, and companies are required to check such lists carefully in order to comply with any related trade prohibitions and restrictions as well as licensing requirements.

Non-listed goods, software, and technology may also be subject to controls, prohibitions, and licensing requirements due to possible impact on public security or human rights considerations. In this context, the end-use of such items at the end-user as well as involved countries in the associated trade transaction play a vital role.

Learn more about legal certainty for shipping dual-use items 
Learn more about observing all embargoes with automated embargo checks 
Learn more about securely checking critical end-use of your goods