An export occurs when defence and strategic goods and technology (PDF, 175.4 KB) are moved from Australia to a place outside Australia.

Controls on the tangible and intangible exports of defence and strategic goods and technology (PDF, 175.4 KB) apply to anyone or any entity (individuals, companies and universities) located in Australia who plans to export outside Australia.

Defence and strategic goods and technology are not prohibited from being exported but they do need a permit before they can be exported.

When assessing whether export controls apply, the following questions should be asked:

  1. Does the research or teaching activity involve an item or technology (PDF, 179.3 KB) subject to export controls under the Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL)? 

    The DSGL is Australia's export control list of regulated defence and strategic goods and technology and is divided into two parts.

    Part 1 is the Munitions List which lists certain goods and technologies designed or adapted for military use or goods that are inherently lethal. It has 2 categories: Military Goods and Non Military Lethal Goods.

    Part 2 is the Dual-Use List which lists equipment and technologies developed to meet commercial needs but which may be used either as military components or for the development or production of military systems or weapons of mass destruction. It has 10 categories.

    • Category 0: Nuclear Materials, Facilities and Equipment
    • Category 1: Materials, Chemicals, Microorganisms and Toxins
    • Category 2: Materials Processing
    • Category 3: Electronics
    • Category 4: Computers
    • Category 5: Telecommunications and Information Security
    • Category 6: Sensors and Lasers
    • Category 7: Navigation and Avionics
    • Category 8: Marine
    • Category 9: Aerospace and Propulsion
    • See Detailed DSGL Index  (PDF, 387.9 KB)
    • The Online DSGL Search Tool to assist searching the DSGL is available.
  2. If the research or teaching activity involves an item or technology (PDF, 179.3 KB) subject to export controls, does the activity fall within one of the DSGL Exemptions (PDF, 275.1 KB)
  3. If the research or teaching activity does not fall within one of the DSGL Exemptions (PDF, 275.1 KB), will the activity involve export by tangible export (PDF, 166.5 KB) or intangible supply or publication from Australia to a place outside Australia or involve brokering (PDF, 170.2 KB)?

If the answer is yes, export controls probably apply. The online Activity Questionnaire will assist in assessing whether the activity requires an export permit. A copy of the assessment can be saved or printed.

If your activity requires an export permit, contact the Export Controls Unit

For further explanation of the export controls process, download the Export Controls Process Flowchart (PDF, 194.7 KB).