Application Process

Note: Applications to export controlled goods are assessed against the Export Control Policy Criteria. It may be in your best interests to familiarise yourself with these when considering the export of controlled goods from Australia.

Application Process
Assessment Times
Export Committee
Export Control Policy Criteria
Export Permit and Licence Reporting Requirements
Exporter Information Sheet

Application Process

Step One: Are your goods controlled?

If your goods, services or technology is controlled (see the DSGL) you will need a permit. To request an assessment of your goods or services please use form DEC60.

If your goods are not controlled you will receive a Control Status Advice letter to attach to your export documentation.

Please note: goods, services and/or technologies that can be used for a weapons of mass destruction (WMD) program may be controlled, if you have any suspicion that your export could contribute to a WMD Program it is your responsibility to contact DECO.

Step Two: Submit an export application form

If the goods, services or technologies are controlled, you will need to complete a DEC01 Export Application Form. For goods/services or technologies controlled under the WMD Act, a DEC01 should also be completed. Please supply as much detail/documentation as possible as this will assist with the processing timeliness.

Step Three: Submit supporting documentation

In most instances you will need to provide supporting documentation such as end user certificates or technical specifications - you will be advised by DECO if any additional documentation is required. Large supporting documents should be scanned in black and white or grayscale only. Please note: attachments that exceed 1.5MB will automatically be blocked by the Defence gateway.

Step Four: Your permit or licence is issued

Your permit will be faxed to you and the original posted to you. In some instances permits/licences may be issued with conditions. It is important to check your permit and comply with any conditions.

Step Five: Complete an Australian Customs Export Declaration Notice (B957)

You will need your DECO permit or licence number to complete the Export Declaration Notice.

** Please note - there is no charge for permits and/or licences

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Assessment Times

Defence is conscious of the fact that exporters require quick, clear decisions to be commercially competitive. Applicants can assist in the provision of a timely response to their application by ensuring that all the required information is supplied at the time of lodgment.

Other than in exceptional circumstances, the assessment time for routine applications is up to 15 working days, (commencing from the date a complete application, with all supporting documentation, is received). For applications requiring referral to SIDCDE members, the assessment time is up to 35 working days. DECO will inform applicants of the referral.

To assist us in assessing your application as quickly as possible please ensure that you:

Use a current Application Form DEC01.
Make sure that you complete all sections of your application, print, sign and date it.
Write clearly so that all information is easy to read.
Provide a valid ABN number or a CCID.
Write down the consignee/s full name and street address.
Attach all relevant supporting documentation to your application, which may include:
- End User Statements or Certificates;
- Technical documentation;
- Third party clearances, where appropriate;
- Import approval from foreign country; and
- Firearms or dealers licences.
Email to DECO a soft copy list in Word or Excel format if the description of goods exceeds two lines. Please scan all large supporting documents in black and white or grayscale only before attaching to your email.
Get your applications in early so that advice on your application may be provided prior to your expected date of exportation.

Delays in assessing applications will be caused when:

third party clearances have not been sought;
export involves the release of classified information;
the application has been referred to other agencies for consideration, in which case we will inform you; or
the complexity of the application or sensitivity of the export might require longer consideration.

Applications must be signed, dated and sent to DECO by mail to the address on the form, by fax to (02) 6265 4583, or as a scanned document attached and emailed to deco@defence.gov.au.

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Export Committee

Standing Interdepartmental Committee on Defence Exports (SIDCDE)

SIDCDE is an Interdepartmental Committee that advises the Minister for Defence on sensitive export applications and export policy matters.

In considering export applications SIDCDE members take into account the possible impacts on Australia’s security, political, other trade interests, as well as the effects on global and regional stability.

SIDCDE is chaired by the Department of Defence and includes representatives from the following Australian Government Departments;

SIDCDE's functions are underpinned by the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958, Regulation 13E and the associated Defence and Strategic Goods Lists (DSGL) which provide the legal basis for Australia's commitment to control goods covered by a number of international regimes. The Minister for Defence has delegated the authority to approve export applications to specified officers in the Department of Defence.

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Export Control Policy Criteria

Australia’s export control policies reflect the Government’s commitment to ensure the export of defence and dual-use goods is consistent with Australia’s national interests and international obligations and commitments.

The Government’s policy is to encourage the export of defence and dual-use goods where it is consistent with Australia’s broad national interests. Our export control system is the means by which this consistency is ensured. Australia’s export control policies and procedures are reviewed regularly to take account of changes in strategic circumstances and priorities.

Policy Criteria

Applications to export defence and dual-use goods are considered on a case-by-case basis. Our assessment of applications will take into account whether the export:

International Obligations

is destined for countries to which the United Nations Security Council has imposed sanctions restricting the sale, supply or transfer of defence or dual-use goods;
is destined for countries where the export might be used in a manner contrary to Australia’s international obligations or commitments;

Human Rights

poses a clearly identifiable risk that the goods would be used to commit or facilitate serious human rights abuses;

Regional Security

might contribute to instability in the region or aggravate a threat to international and regional peace and security or aggravate the situation in a region which becomes a cause of serious concern;
might be used in internal or external conflict or that could further militarise the situation in the destination country;

National Security

might compromise Australia's wider security interests, its obligations to its allies and friends and its broader international responsibilities;
is destined for countries with policies or interests which are inimical to the strategic interests of Australia or its friends and allies;
might adversely affect Australia’s military capability or substantially compromise its operational capabilities or enhance the power projection capabilities of our potential adversaries;

Foreign Policy

is destined for countries developing (or suspected of developing) weapons of mass destruction or the means for their delivery, or supporting terrorism, or whose behaviour or foreign policies risk major disruption to global or regional stability;
might cause adverse reactions by third countries important to Australia, which may affect Australia's interests, in particular, our regional relations; and
might be used for mercenary, terrorist or other criminal activities.

Export Permit and Licence Reporting Requirements

DECO has introduced changes to the conditions attached to permits and licences and has developed reporting templates to assist exporters. These changes require the reporting of some additional information when lodging quarterly or half-yearly reports and require that reports be provided only via email. To assist exporters, DECO has also introduced several reporting templates to be used.

This information will improve DECO's ability to monitor compliance by exporters with the conditions placed on permits and licences. For further information please contact DECO at deco@defence.gov.au or 1800 66 10 66.

Exporter Information Sheet

Further information on using your DECO permit or licence is available.

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