Note: The following information was created and structured with AI support.
What are dual-use goods and military goods?
Dual-use goods are goods, software and technologies that are suitable for both civilian and military purposes. The legal basis is EU Regulation 2021/821 (Annex I), which applies uniformly to all EU member states.
In addition to the European rules, there are national requirements, in particular the German Export List (annex to the AWV):
- Part I, Section A: Military goods (weapons, ammunition, defence material)
- Part I, Section B: Nationally listed dual-use goods
The competent authority for licences in Germany is the BAFA (Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control).
⚠ Scope of the Dual-Use-Finder – what is covered, what is not?
This tool supports classification exclusively on the basis of the
EU Dual-Use Regulation (EU) 2021/821 (Annex I and Annex IV) and the German Export List (Part I, Sections A and B). For a legally complete goods classification, the following bodies of rules must be
checked separately – they are
not included in the tool:
- Chemicals list under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) – chemicals of Schedules 1, 2, 3; DOC
- EU Common Military List
- US export control law – EAR (Commerce Control List) and ITAR (US Munitions List)
- EU embargo regulations – country-specific goods and arms embargoes
- Common High Priority Items List – (CHPL)
Practical note: Not being listed in the EU Dual-Use Regulation does not rule out listing in other bodies of rules.
Step by step: How do I classify a good?
1
Technical analysis of the product
Record all relevant technical parameters: functions, performance values, materials, components. Document these carefully – many list entries contain precise technical thresholds.
2
Determine the category (digit 0–9)
Assign the good to one of the ten categories. Start with the most likely category and work your way through the sub-items.
3
Determine the product group (letter A–E)
Is it a good (A/B/C), software (D) or technology (E)?
4
Check the identifier and list entry
The identifier (the digit after the letter) indicates the regime assignment. Compare the technical characteristics of your good exactly against the wording of the list entry – including all notes.
5
Catch-all check (Art. 4 EU Dual-Use Regulation)
Even non-listed goods can be subject to authorisation if the exporter is aware of a military end-use in an embargoed country.
6
When in doubt: ask BAFA (zero notice)
BAFA provides goods list rulings and issues so-called zero notices (Nullbescheide) confirming that a good is not subject to listing. Always ask in case of uncertainty.
!
Don't forget to check other goods lists
In addition to the EU Dual-Use Regulation – depending on the good – the German Export List (AL, Part I A+B), the chemicals list (CWC), the EU Common Military List and, where there is a US connection, EAR / ITAR must be checked. These bodies of rules are not covered in the Dual-Use-Finder.
Structure of a goods list number
3 A 0 0 1
3
Category
General electronics (0–9)
A
Product group
Systems, equipment, components
001
Identifier
Regime assignment & entry
Categories 0–9 at a glance
| No. | Category | Typical goods (examples) |
|---|
| 0 | Nuclear materials, facilities & equipment | Uranium, plutonium, reactors, centrifuges |
| 1 | Materials, chemicals, micro-organisms, toxins | High-performance alloys, precursor chemicals |
| 2 | Materials processing | CNC machines, isostatic presses, vacuum furnaces |
| 3 | General electronics | High-frequency components, frequency converters, ADCs |
| 4 | Computers | High-performance computers, quantum computers (from 4A1906) |
| 5 | Telecommunications & information security | Encryption software, satellite modems |
| 6 | Sensors & lasers | Night-vision devices, high-power lasers, acoustic sensors |
| 7 | Avionics & navigation | INS navigation systems, flight control, gyros |
| 8 | Marine & naval technology | Underwater vehicles, sonar, ship engines |
| 9 | Aerospace & propulsion | Engines, drones, missiles, satellites |
Product groups A–E
A
Systems, equipment & components
B
Test, inspection & production equipment
Classification aids
- EZT-online (Electronic Customs Tariff): Starting from the goods number, possible dual-use entries are displayed. Suitable for civilian goods.
- BAFA conversion list (Umschlüsselungsverzeichnis): Mapping of customs tariff numbers to dual-use list entries – updated annually.
- BAFA keyword index (Stichwortverzeichnis): A non-binding aid for searching for goods in the Export List (no legal character).
- Zero notice (Nullbescheid): Official ruling by BAFA that a particular good is not subject to authorisation. Recommended in case of uncertainty.
- This database: Search by code or customs tariff number with direct display of the wording of the list entry.
Types of licence
- Individual export licence: For a specific export transaction to a particular recipient.
- Bulk export licence: For several deliveries to the same recipient.
- Global export licence: For deliveries to various recipients in one or more countries.
- General export authorisation (EU001–EU008): For certain countries and goods without an individual application.
Licences are applied for electronically via BAFA's ELAN-K2 portal and are subject to a fee. Period of validity: typically 12–24 months.
Important notes
This database serves as a guide. It does not replace a legally binding ruling. The current versions of the EU Dual-Use Regulation as well as the ruling of BAFA are always authoritative. In case of uncertainty, contact BAFA or a specialised legal adviser.
Disclaimer: We assume no guarantee or liability for the completeness, accuracy and timeliness of the information provided here. It serves only as an initial guide and research aid and does not replace professional legal advice. For technical questions or in legally relevant individual cases, please always contact the competent authorities (e.g. BAFA) or appropriately specialised lawyers.
