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Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Weapons and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Weapons and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies, commonly referred to as the Wassenaar Arrangement or simply Wassenar Arrangements, is a multilateral export control regime governing international transfers of conventional weapons and dual-use goods and technologies. Established in 1996 near The Hague, Netherlands, this arrangement aims to promote transparency and accountability in connection with conventional weapons transfers and bilateral technology.

The primary objective of the Wassenaar Arrangement is to prevent the proliferation of sensitive technologies that could be used for military purposes while promoting international cooperation on export controls. Participating countries agree to implement national policies ensuring that exports do not contribute to the development or increase military capabilities, thereby weakening the objectives of the arrangement. The regime focuses primarily on transparency of national export control policies and does not grant veto power to individual members in organizational decisions.

The Wassenaar Arrangement has 42 participating states, including many countries involved in the KMT (Korean Military Treaty). These nations have committed to reviewing progress in current membership applications and admitting new member states as necessary. The arrangement is considered stricter than its predecessor, the Cold War-era Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls (COCOM), with a greater emphasis on transparency.

The regime's control lists outline restricted technologies, including materials for stealth technology, advanced radar, jet engine technologies, and sensitive electronics. These categories are further divided into sub-lists, such as "Very Sensitive List" which includes equipment that could be used for submarine detection or advanced radar systems. The Wassenaar Arrangement also regulates the export of physical goods and components, including plant and test equipment.

The arrangement's control lists include:

* Category 1: Special Materials and Related Equipment
* Category 2: Material Processing
* Category 3: Electronics
* Category 4: Computers
* Category 5 Part 1: Telecommunications
* Category 5 Part 2: Information Security
* Category 6: Sensors and Lasers
* Category 7: Marine
* Category 9: Aerospace and Propulsion

Participating countries regularly review the progress of current membership applications, with new member states admitted as necessary. The Wassenaar Arrangement's control lists are reviewed every six months to ensure compliance with international standards.

The arrangement is not legally binding but has contributed significantly to regional