New EU Export Control Rules Take Effect
A new European Union export control framework centered around tightening limits on trade in dual-use items and enhancing the bloc's ability to protect human rights and support secure strategic item supply chains took effect Sept. 9, the EU said. The regulation increases the level of consultations and reporting between EU member states and the European Commission, which will in turn aid the development of an EU electronic licensing system that has already been piloted in four member states, the EC said.
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The measures, adopted in 2016, were fully implemented Sept. 9. Other elements of the regulation include updating certain definitions (for example, exporter now applies to natural persons and researchers involved in dual-use technology transfers, the EC said), simplifying and unifying licensing procedures, enhancing information exchange between the EC and member state licensing authorities, and conducting outreach to industry voices and third-party actors on compliance challenges.
“We need to better respond to emerging threats in an increasingly volatile world,” said EC Executive Vice President and Commissioner for EU Trade Valdis Dombrovskis. “That means getting a better grip on dual-use technologies, including cyber-surveillance technologies that can be misused for human rights violations. Thanks to these new EU rules, the EU countries will now also work even more closely amongst themselves and with allies on potential security risks arising from biotech, Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies. We will also team up to ensure a level playing field for companies, for example, in the context of the new EU-US Trade and Technology Council.”