Complying with regulations: Shipping dual-use items

Understanding the importance of shipping compliance for dual-use items

It is very important to understand and comply with the different regulations that apply to the shipment of items that have both civilian and military use. These items are known as dual-use items and are subject to export controls, which are regulations designed to prevent the proliferation of weapons and support regional stability.

It is critical that companies shipping dual-use items comply with these regulations, as failure to do so can result in severe penalties, including fines and even criminal prosecution. In addition to legal penalties, non-compliance can also damage a company's reputation, which will make doing business difficult in the future.

Therefore, by understanding the importance of dual-use shipment compliance, companies can take the necessary steps to ensure they are in compliance with current regulations, avoid penalties and maintain a good reputation.

Key Regulations for Shipping Dual-Use Items

Companies must comply with laws and regulations when shipping dual-use items. These regulations, also known as export controls, are put in place by governments to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and support global stability.

In Switzerland, for example, the center of competence of the federal government responsible for export control regulations on dual-use items is the Seco (State Secretariat for Economic Affairs). The control of internationally agreed goods is governed by two laws: the Law of 13 December 1996 on the control of goods (LCB; RS 946.202) and the Federal Law of 13 December 1996 on war material (LFMG; RS 514.51)

In the United States, the primary agency responsible for the enforcement of export control regulations for dual-use goods is the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the Department of Commerce. BIS has implemented regulations through the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which provide regulations and guidance for the export of dual-use goods from the United States.

Complying with Dual-Use Export Control Regulations

Compliance with export control regulations for dual-use items involves obtaining the necessary licenses or authorizations before exporting the goods, create the adequate shipping documents and tracking the export. It also requires companies to be aware of and comply with any embargoes or sanctions that may be in place, and to be aware of the end use of exported items.

Failure to comply with export control regulations can result in civil fines and penalties, as well as potential criminal prosecution.

In conclusion, complying with export control regulations for dual-use items is a critical responsibility for companies that export such items. Compliance with these regulations includes obtaining the necessary licenses or permits prior to exporting the items, creating the proper shipping documents and tracking the export, as well as knowing and complying with any embargoes or sanctions that may be in place.

The secom team will advise you and provide you with the necessary tools and information for all your export procedures. Our online secom tool will help you create shipping documents that comply with international trade regulations quickly and accurately.