Since 2006, the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) is mandated by the European Union (EU) to implement projects in the realm of export control of dual-use goods. Currently, BAFA is carrying out the sixth EU funded programme in this area, the Long Term Programme (LTP) 2011 – the fifth project implemented by BAFA. As its predecessors, the current project aims at enhancing the effectiveness of export control systems of dual-use goods worldwide, with a view to reduce the risk of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and related materials, equipment and technologies.

Therefore, BAFA in close cooperation with the partner countries develops and implements tailor-made and needs-driven activity plans. The project work focuses on the legal and regulatory framework, on national capacity-building (e.g. in the field of licensing, customs and the judicial sector), on inter-agency cooperation and on government-industry / -research community relations.

The programme distinguishes between two cooperation modes: ad-hoc and full-scope cooperation. In countries ascribed to the ad-hoc mode, activities are undertaken that address export control of dual-use goods in general, outlining basic elements of the state of the art export control system and of ways to implement today’s standards into legislation and practice. Countries under full-scope cooperation, covering all the five pillars (legal, licensing, customs, awareness raising and sanctioning), agree on a tailored activity plan to carry out activities according their specific needs.

The project seeks to establish long-term cooperation to ensure a sustainable enhancement of indigenous export control capacities, striking for the balance between legitimate security interests and the requirements of free trade. In this regard, a various number of project activities are undertaken, ranging from advisory services at the political level to capacity building measures on the country level by means of e.g. legal reviews, training seminars, workshops, study visits and outreach activities to industry and research community. To augment the efficient use of resources and utilize synergies, the project closely cooperates with other international donors of technical assistance and offers a regional approach in conducting project activities. 

Technical expertise is provided by experienced professionals from 25 EU Member States. Numerous experts in the field of legal, licensing, enforcement (customs, judicial) and outreach to industry are part of the programme, offering their knowledge and skills from a practitioner perspective.