Dual-Use Goods: What Exporters Need to Know

Shipping dual-use goods internationally comes with serious responsibilities that go beyond a standard export clearance. This is because these items may usually be used for an ordinary purpose, but can also be used in military or other aggressive ways.

If you are exporting dual-use goods, then noncompliance with licence requirements, due diligence procedures, or classification nuances can lead to severe penalties – including criminal proceedings in the worst cases.

At Customs Support Group, we work with businesses throughout Europe to manage risk whilst keeping goods moving through borders in an efficient manner.

In this article, we explore the complications of dual-use goods and how you can safeguard your business from noncompliance.

What are Dual-Use Goods?

The European Commission defines dual-use goods as products and technologies normally used for civilian purposes but which may have military applications. If the products were specifically designed for military purposes, they are called military goods. Both dual-use and military goods are also referred to as strategic goods.

Some examples of dual-use goods are drones, navigation systems, encryption software, power generators, or chemicals like phosphorus oxychloride (POCl₃) – which has broad industrial use but is also a precursor for some chemical weapons.

As you can see, dual-use goods are not limited to one sector. This is why getting the correct customs classification is essential, as one variance of a commodity code can be from one use to another.

There are also more than one type of export control which you may need to comply with, depending on your location and the goods involved. For example:

• The EU Dual-Use Regulation (2021/821)
• The UK Strategic Export Control Lists
• The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)*
• The Export Administration Regulations (EAR)*

*Note that the last two are regulated by the United States, but can apply to dual-use goods globally through shared security agreements – as can any of the regulations. Do not assume your location’s rules are the only ones to consider.

Customs Support Group’s experts help you obtain the correct goods classification, including Binding Tariff Information, so that you can be clear on your obligations. Reduce your risk by getting in touch today for a consultation.

Digitalisation of Dual-Use Export Processes

As digitalisation in customs grows, the process for different declarations has improved from both a Customs and Trader perspective. For example:

• The UK has merged its End‑User Undertaking (EUU) and Stockist Undertaking forms into a single consolidated EUU in July 2025, and now permanently accepts digital signatures on this form.*
• Keeping and submitting records for auditing is simpler thanks to advanced CustomsTech and online portals – where documents can be stored, shared, and compliance checked with ease.

*Note that there is no central form in the EU. However, many member states will refer to the End User Certificate (EUC) despite variance in templates (even within the same country based on the destination). Some authorities now accept electronic signatures.

At CSG, we provide digital customs and trade solutions which help you to remain compliant and manage risk whilst meeting your cross-border KPIs.

Get in touch for a no-obligation consultation about what we can do for you.

Customs Support Group – Your Partner for Dual-Use Goods

Stay compliant and in control of your dual-goods export process with CSG’s customs and trade solutions. We will help you to:

• Verify Your Goods Classification: Your obligations are directly related to your commodity code, so we will help you to gain clarity on what’s required.
• Screen End Users: Minimise risk by making your due diligence processes foolproof when selling dual-use items.
• Obtain and Maintain Licences: Streamline your application and audit processes with CSG’s expertise, tools, and automation.
• Manage and Centralise Declarations: Streamline your European export customs clearances and export control declarations through a single contact.
• Stay Ahead of Changes: Minimise disruption and stay efficient as customs or geopolitical requirements change.

Exporting dual-use goods requires considerable attention to detail, but that doesn’t mean that your trade needs to be inefficient. For help with streamlining your customs processes and leveraging tech solutions, contact us for a no-obligation consultation.