Export of dual-use items

An export involves the delivery or transfer, including via electronic means, of items (goods, software, or technology) from the customs territory of the European Union to a third country (i.e. a non-EU member state).

Export authorisation applications must be submitted in the EU member state where the exporter is resident or established. If the items are located in another EU member state, the relevant authority in that state will be consulted during the authorisation process. Once granted, the authorisation is valid throughout the EU.

An export can be authorised through:

• Individual transfer licence: A specific exporter to a specific consignee/end-user for a specific export transaction.
• Global transfer licence: A specific exporter to one or more specified end-users and/or to one or more specified destination countries for a type or category of items.

The Dual-Use Regulation also introduces a "large project authorisation", which can be an individual or global authorisation for a specific exporter to supply a type or category of items to one or more specified end-users in one or more specified third countries for the purpose of executing a specific large-scale project. This authorisation is valid for up to four years.

Certain exports benefit from a general transfer licence (pursuant to the Dual-Use Regulation, national law, or national regulation) provided that certain conditions regarding the

• destination countries,
• covered items, or
• other characteristics of the covered transactions are met.

These transactions are pre-approved for all exporters in advance. To use this authorisation, only a one-time registration is required.

Application for an Export/Transfer Authorisation for dual-use items pursuant to the Dual-Use Regulation (EU) 2021/821.