Defence Export Control Office

Australia-United States Treaty on Defense Trade Cooperation

The Department of Defence recently held a series of Information Seminars on the Australia-United States Treaty on Defence Trade Cooperation, its Implementing Arrangement and proposed changes to Australian export control legislation during May – July 2008.

The seminars provided an overview of current ITAR obligations as a backdrop to a discussion of the Treaty scope, obligations and requirements for industry participation. Changes to Australian export control legislation were also discussed.

The presentation given at the seminars is now available: AS-US Defence Trade Treaty Roadshow Presentation.

The Department will conduct further information seminars as the Treaty arrangements progress.

Further information: Australia-United States Treaty on Defense Trade Cooperation

REACH - European Union's new chemical regulations

The European Union’s (EU) new chemical legislation, REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) introduces an obligation on European manufacturers and importers to pre-register chemical substances, with some exceptions, with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) between 1 June and 1 December 2008. This obligation may affect the ability of Australian companies to do business with the 27 member states of the EU as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Further information on pre-registration and possible implications for Australian companies can be found in the Chemical Gazette (July 2008, pp. 5 - 9), or via the NICNAS website.