EXPORT CONTROL · DUAL-USE · INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Get a grip on export control and dual-use risks
International trade in goods, technology and software can, under certain circumstances, be subject to export restrictions or dual-use regulations.
As an independent export control consultant, TradeRisk supports organisations in recognising and assessing potential risks relating to products, destinations, end use and trading partners.
What are dual-use risks?
Dual-use goods are products, software or technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
It is not only the technical characteristics of a product that can be relevant. The destination, end user and intended use can also play a role in assessing a transaction.
That is why export compliance often calls for a combination of product knowledge, customer research and risk analysis.
A product is only one part of the assessment
PRODUCT
What is the product, the technology or the software?
PARTY
Which organisation or person are you doing business with?
DESTINATION
Where does the product ultimately end up?
END USE
How, and by whom, is the product ultimately used?
Questions we answer
- “Is this product dual-use?”
- “Am I allowed to export this?”
- “Do I need a licence?”
- “Can I supply this customer?”
- “Is the end use high-risk?”
When does a transaction deserve extra attention?
An additional assessment may be advisable when:
- a product has advanced technical characteristics
- the end user is unclear
- goods are supplied through an intermediary
- the destination carries an elevated risk
- defence-related applications are involved
- a customer asks unusual questions about documentation or product information
- the ultimate application cannot be clearly established
Where can TradeRisk help?
- Initial assessment of export control risks
- Identifying potential dual-use issues
- Support with product and transaction risk analysis
- End-user research
- End-use assessment
- Screening of trading partners
- Country and destination risks
- Support with compliance procedures
- Flagging potential licensing issues
Our approach
STEP 1
Product inventory
We gather the relevant technical and commercial product information.
STEP 2
Risk assessment
We assess the product, the destination, the end user and the end use.
STEP 3
Classification support
We help interpret the classification and any licensing requirement.
STEP 4
Documentation & guidance
We prepare documentation and, where needed, guide the process towards the competent authority.
Frequently asked questions
What are dual-use goods?
Dual-use goods are goods, software or technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. Export restrictions or licensing requirements may apply to certain products.
Does every technical product need to be investigated?
Not every product requires the same level of scrutiny. A risk-based approach helps determine when an additional assessment is relevant.
Can TradeRisk determine whether a licence is required?
TradeRisk can help flag and structure potential export control risks and licensing questions. For formal classifications or licensing procedures, an additional specialised or authorised assessment may be necessary.
What is an ECCN?
An ECCN (Export Control Classification Number) is a code indicating whether a product, technology or software falls under specific export control lists and which licensing requirements may apply.
What is the catch-all provision in export control?
The catch-all provision means that products not on a control list can also become subject to a licence when there are indications of a high-risk end use. This makes end-user research just as important as product classification.
Do I always need a licence to export?
Not always. Whether a licence is required depends on the product, the destination and the end user.