The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies was established in Wassenaar/The Netherlands and entered into force on 1 November 1996. The aim of the Wassenaar Arrangement is to prevent the destabilizing accumulation of conventional arms and related goods and technologies in regions and countries worldwide by increased transparency and responsibility. On the basis of jointly-agreed lists of arms, dual-use goods and technologies each Participating State carries out export controls in accordance with national laws and practices.

Germany is participating in the Wassenaar Arrangement and has integrated the continuously updated common lists in its national export control regulations.

The Wassenaar Arrangement is based on a political agreement. It is not aimed against any country or region. Currently 42 states are participating in the Wassenaar Arrangement.

Initiated by Germany, the topic of Terrorism Prevention was added to the objectives of the Wassenaar Arrangement in 2001.

German Export policies in the world wide web:

Search these websites for the German Government's political principles governing arms control: BMWK (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action), BAFA (Federal Office of Economics and Export Control) und Federal Foreign Office:

Website Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Website Federal Office of Economics and Export Control

Wassenaar Arrangement in the World Wide Web:

Website Wassenaar Arrangement