Australian Defence Export Controls (DEC) regulate the export, supply, brokering, or publishing of military and dual-use goods and technology. This includes parts and components thereof, as well as related materials and equipment, to an external territory, nation, or to a non-exempt foreign person within Australia (see list of exempted citizenships).

Every person located in Australia, whether an Australian citizen or not, is subject to Australia’s export control laws. Export controls apply to you when you are undertaking a controlled activity with goods or technology listed as controlled on the Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL). Export controls also apply to you when you are undertaking a controlled activity with any goods or technology that may have a military or WMD end-use.

When you are planning new research, you will need to find out if your research materials or novel findings fall under the DSGL. While some may take the view that a particular technology or research is of a non-military nature, there could exist dual-use applications (use for both civilian and military purposes) that necessitate regulation. Some examples include certain types of UAVs (drones), mass spectrometers, sensors, chemicals, and micro-organisms.