kaksikäyttöisten

Kaksikäyttöisten is a Finnish term used to describe goods, software and technologies that have legitimate civilian applications but can also be used for military purposes or in weapons development. The word is commonly found in policy, research and industry discussions, where it appears in contexts such as export control, risk assessment and regulatory compliance. The genitive plural form kaksikäyttöisten is used when referring to “of dual-use items” in legislation and official texts.

Regulatory framework and scope: In the European Union, dual-use items are controlled under the EU Dual-Use Regulation, which governs export, transfer, brokering and technical assistance to destinations outside the EU. Most transactions require an export license or license exception, depending on the item, destination and end-use. National authorities assess risks related to security, foreign policy and regional stability. In Finland, the export control framework is implemented through national legislation and is administered with cooperation between the Customs (Tulli) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, among others. Violations of export controls can carry penalties and may involve administrative or criminal consequences.

Examples and implications: Dual-use categories cover a wide range of products and technologies, including certain chemicals and precursors, specialized electronics, encryption software, telecommunications equipment, advanced computing, robotics and AI-related tools. For researchers and companies, compliance requires screening end-users and end-uses, conducting risk assessments, and maintaining appropriate documentation. International collaboration, supply chains and cross-border transfers are thus conducted with attention to licensing requirements and destination risk.

See also: export control, strategic goods, international sanctions, dual-use technology policy.