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Defence Export Control

The Department of Defence is responsible for administering controls on the export of defence and dual-use goods, and the granting of authorisations to export, in the form of permits and licenses. Within Defence, this role is done by the Defence Export Control Office (DECO).

DECO’s mission is to ensure Australia exports responsibly by:

  • providing advice on the control status of goods;
  • issuing permits and licences for the export of controlled defence and dual use goods;
  • authorising end-user and non-transfer certificates for the import of controlled defence and dual-use goods;
  • providing assistance with re-transfer approvals for foreign-sourced defence items;
  • delivering outreach programs to assist exporters in meeting their obligations under the relevant regulations and legislation; and
  • contributing to Australia’s international efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction through participation in multilateral non-proliferation and export control regimes.

The export of goods and technologies designed or adapted for use by armed forces, or that can be used in the production of defence related goods and services are subject to control under the Customs (Prohibited Export) Regulations, Regulation 13E. All items subject to control are listed in the Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL).

Defence is also responsible for administering the Weapons of Mass Destruction (Prevention of Proliferation) Act 1995 which covers the export of goods, technologies and services not listed elsewhere under the Customs regulations.

DECO resides within Strategy Group and the responsible entity at the One Star level is currently Mr Scott Cooper (Executive Director DECO). Periodically DECO will come to the various Groups across Defence for comment as to why an Export Licence for a particular Australian Company's goods, technologies or services, should or should not be granted. The Directorate of Interoperability and International Engagement is responsible for coordinating these requests of and within CDG. Commander Terry Morrison is the responsible person. The matter of Export Licences is a Whole of Government Responsibility with Defence being the lead Agency of an organisation called the Standing Interdepartmental Committee on Defence Exports (SIDCDE). This body is chaired from within Strategy Group by Mr Scott Cooper. Director Interoperability and International Engagement, Mr Chris Tognon, is the CDG representative on that Committee. Other than Defence (including CDG, DIO and Strategy), there are representatives from DFAT, Customs and PM&C.

DECO maintains a public website at www.defence.gov.au/deco. In it you will find various informative newsletter and links to various trade control legislation.