The so-called “export control regimes” are comprised of multilateral co-operation bodies operating under the consensus principle, i.e. that member countries must agree on the measures that are adopted. If there are large differences in the interests of member countries, lengthy negotiations can be required before a consensus is arrived at.
The four export control regimes
Export control regimes are an extremely important part of international co-operation in export control. There are four such control regimes, and Norway participates in all four. Member countries agree on lists of items to be subject to export control.
The Australia Group
The Australia Group co-operation deals first and foremost with the export control of precursor materials, components and equipment that can be used in the production of chemical and biological weapons. Such weapons are relatively simple and cheap to produce, and there is therefore a real danger that chemical and biological weapons will be spread to or developed by countries other than the ones that already have such military weapons.
The Nuclear Suppliers Group
Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) consists of countries that will jointly contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons through establishing guidelines for the export of nuclear material and materials of a similar nature. These common guidelines apply to the export to all non-nuclear weapons states, whether or not they are party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and sets comprehensive requirements for security control, peaceful use and obligations in relation to re-export. The treaty obliges Norway to regulate fissionable material, nuclear installations and nuclear equipment.
The Missile Technology Control Regime
The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) was created in 1987 by the seven largest Western industrial countries (the G-7). Norway joined this export control co-operation initiative in 1991.
MTCR's purpose is to reduce the spread of technology and equipment that can be used to develop technology and missiles used as delivery systems for weapons of mass destruction. MCTR’s primary area of control is ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and unmanned aircraft capable of carrying a 500-kilogram payload at least 300 kilometres.
The Wassenaar Arrangement
The Norwegian authorities also participate in the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA), whose primary purpose is to prevent the spread of conventional weapons and hi-tech products which can be used in enhancing military capability for launching offensive rather than defensive action. Member states of the Wassenaar regime exchange information about export and attempted exports. This information exchange enables WA to establish whether any state or region is building military capability over and above plausible defence requirements. The WA co-operation thereby contributes to the prevention of accumulations that can lead to global or regional destabilisation.