International cooperation

Exports controls are based on international cooperation among approximately 35 mainly Western-oriented countries. The cooperation takes place within a number of different groups of countries, the so-called export control regimes.

Each of the four export control regimes regulates the control of exports within one product area. The decisions of the export control regimes determine which products are subject to export controls, and to a certain extent how the control of exports is to be administered and coordinated.

The EU incorporates the decisions in a common regulation. The EU also, to a certain extent, coordinates the positions of Member States in the export control regimes.

As a parallel to the work going on in the export regimes and in the EU, the Nordic and Baltic countries are endeavouring to coordinate the export control action in the Nordic and Baltic countries.

In addition, there exists close informal cooperation with the authorities in other countries, both on general topics, but also on specific issues.