What are dual-use items?
Dual-use items refer to goods, technologies, and services that can be used for both civilian purposes and military or weapons of mass destruction purposes. These items typically possess a “dual nature”—they have peaceful commercial or industrial applications but may also be utilized for military or weapons development.
Key Characteristics: Dual-use items serve both civilian and military purposes, are subject to national export control regulations, and require export licenses for shipment. These often-overlooked dual-use categories include many seemingly ordinary industrial products that may fall under dual-use controls.
Below are types of goods prone to triggering violations:
1. High-Performance Materials Specific grades of carbon fiber, composite materials, high-strength aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, specialty ceramics, and functional materials.
2. Electronics and Communications Equipment High-performance integrated circuits and chips Radar system components Encryption equipment and software Satellite communication devices
3. Precision Instruments and Equipment High-precision machine tools and CNC systems Lasers and optical inspection equipment Vacuum pumps and centrifuges
4. Chemical and Biological Products Specific chemicals, microbial toxins, and biological agents Reactor components and nuclear materials
Aerospace Products Aviation engines and components Navigation systems and inertial measurement units.
