Defence issues a variety of import and end-use certificates to facilitate imports of goods that are controlled under foreign export control laws. 

Before goods are exported to Australia, the foreign government may require a certificate to ensure the goods will be subject to Australian export control laws. The foreign government may also require a certificate for delivery verification when the goods arrive in Australia.

Applicants can submit a request for the following certificates through My Australian Defence Exports (MADE) portal:

  • International Import Certificate
  • Non-transfer and End-use Certificate
  • Delivery Verification Certificate.

Applicants can submit a request via email to exportcontrols@defence.gov.au for Foreign End User Certificate.

Types of certificates

International Import Certificate

An International Import Certificate (IIC) may be required when importing controlled goods from countries that request certification. An IIC certifies to a foreign government that the controlled goods will be subject to Australian export control laws once the items have been imported into Australia. 

IIC is not a permission to import. Importers are required to follow all import laws and processes as administered by the Australian Border Force (ABF).

Applicants must attach the relevant purchase order to their IIC application. The following additional documents are required when importing firearms, related parts and accessories.

  • B709 form from the applicant's state or territory police
  • Individual or dealers firearm licence.

Defence may supply either an International Import Certificate or a Non-transfer and End-use Certificate, not both.

Non-transfer and End-use Certificate

A Non-transfer and End-use certificate (EUC) is applied for goods imported for use by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) or by the Commonwealth of Australia (e.g., Department of Home Affairs or the Australian Federal Police). Goods being imported for use by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) or the Commonwealth of Australia will require an EUC rather than an IIC. This will verify to a foreign government that the controlled goods and technology:

  • will be used by the ADF or the Commonwealth
  • will not be transferred without the further permission of that foreign government.

This certificate may be required by the foreign government before they approve the export of the items to Australia.

For applicants (licensed individual, dealer or areas in the Department of Defence), the following supporting documentation is required:

  • evidence that Defence is the end-user (e.g. copy of relevant Defence purchase order or contract(s) or signed deed between the applicant and the Commonwealth of Australia establishing the ADF requirement to their application
  • any additional information to support the application.

Evidence is not required where the Department of Defence is the applicant.

Delivery Verification Certificate

Some foreign governments may require a Delivery Verification Certificate (DVC), in addition to the IIC, to certify the goods entered Australia, have been received in Australia and are subject to Australia's export control laws.

For applicants (licensed individual, dealer or areas in the Department of Defence) the following supporting documentation should be attached to the DVC application to demonstrate the completed shipment activity of the goods:

  • N10 import declaration
  • evidence of delivery (Airway bill and / or Bill of lading and / or parcel post cards)
  • Purchase order / invoice
  • Referenced or copy of the IIC (if used for import).

Foreign End User Certificate

Some foreign governments prefer to use a Foreign End User Certificate (FEUC). When the end-user is the Australian Department of Defence, the foreign supplier requests an endorsed FEUC prior to deliver of the goods.

FEUC is a signed assurance by the Australian importer (consignee) and end user that:

  • the goods will not be sold, gifted, loaned, re-transferred or re-exported without authorisation from the foreign government.

These certificates are specifically worded by foreign governments to meet their export controls regulations (e.g., DSP-83 are most common).

  • A DSP-83 Form is specific to the United States Department of State and is used to assure our commitment to its original end-use and control of the equipment. It is commonly used for the export of significant military equipment and classified equipment of data.

When requested by foreign governments - FEUCs can only be certified and / or sealed by an authorised delegate within Defence Export Controls.

For applicants (business entities or Defence System Program Offices in the Department of Defence) the following supporting documentation is required:

  • evidence of order (e.g., copy of Defence purchase order, contract(s) or signed deed with the Commonwealth of Australia)
  • evidence that the foreign end user is the Australian government.

FEUCs can be emailed to Defence Export Controls at exportcontrols@defence.gov.au, or sent via post if an original is required.

Defence Export Controls
Russell Offices
R1-03-A004
PO Box 7901
Canberra BC ACT 2610