WassenaarArrangementet

Wassenaar Arrangementet, known in English as the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies, is an international regime established in 1996 in Wassenaar, Netherlands. It brings together a broad group of states and the European Union to coordinate export controls on conventional arms and dual-use items—goods and technologies that have civilian and military applications.

The main objective of the arrangement is to contribute to regional and international security by promoting transparency and responsibility in transfers that could enhance military capabilities or support weapons programs. It seeks to prevent uncontrolled proliferation while preserving legitimate trade. Cooperation is achieved through information exchange, regular plenary meetings, and the development and maintenance of common control lists.

The WA maintains two principal lists: a control list for dual-use goods and technologies and a conventional arms list. Items on these lists are subject to national licensing requirements, with states adapting their own export control regimes to reflect the agreed standards. Decisions and updates are made by consensus among all participating states and the European Union, which participates as a separate entity.

Membership as of recent years includes dozens of states alongside the European Union. Participation is voluntary, and there is no binding treaty obligation beyond national laws and policy decisions. The regime operates through mutual trust, transparency, and alignment of export controls to reduce the risk that sensitive items are diverted to unauthorized end-uses. It complements other international arms-control efforts by focusing on export controls and technology transfers rather than hard disarmament measures.