Export Controls

Export controls are a system of laws and regulations that prohibits the unlicensed export of certain goods, information and/or technology for a variety of reasons, such as;

  • national security
  • economic protection
  • foreign policy

These controls can be further complicated by regional controls or United Nations sanctions. Furthermore, non-compliance with these regulations can be extremely costly (some fines exceed US $100m) and can include bans on all exports and in some cases criminal charges can apply. 


The Centre for Export Controls Excellence (CFECE) recognises the disparate nature of export controls and we aim to provide a “one-stop-shop" for all things 'export controls'. We can provide advice, consultancy and training (e-learning and face-to-face) on most countrys export control systems. We also endeavour to provide you with helpful tools, such as our industry news, expert updates and a discussion forum. If you have any queries, suggestions or require assistance with export controls, please feel free to contact us at info@cfece.com.

New Training - June 2012

2 day Practitioner Workshop

  • Brisbane   28 & 29 May 12
  • Adelaide 31 May & 1 June 12
  • Sydney 04 & 05 June 12 (CLOSED)
  • Melbourne 07 & 08 June 12 

DECO Releases draft regulations

DECO have released the draft regulations associated with the Defence Trade Controls Bill. Comments were due back to DECO by the 17th of February.

The regulations are very light on and seem to focus solely on the new treaty without much attention to the 'strengthening of Export Controls' side of the legislation - which is concerning given that many in the defence industry have suggested they are unlikely to use the treaty.

And just in case anyone was puzzled DECO have clarified that the two missing sections are for later use! 

United States: Export Controls Reform - Category VIII Transfer

On November 7, 2011, the US Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security ("BIS") and the US Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls ("DDTC") published parallel proposed rules aimed at transferring some current United States Munitions List ("USML") Category VIII articles to a new Commerce Control List ("CCL") classification. The proposed rules are part of the Administration's ongoing Export Control Reform Initiative, and are the second of a planned series aimed at transferring articles from the USML to the CCL. 

Defence Trade Controls Bill enters Parliament

On 2 November 2011, the Minister for Defence Materiel, the Hon Jason Clare MP, introduced the Defence Trade Controls Bill 2011, into the House of Representatives.

The purpose of this Bill is to implement the Australia-United States Defence Trade Cooperation Treaty and to strengthen Australia’s export controls for defence and dual-use goods.

The Treaty removes the requirement for individual licences to be obtained for each export, and allows for the licence-free movement of eligible defence articles within the Approved Australian and US Communities.

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