Trusted Research News
October 2025 Updates
Dual-Use Controls
In this space we've previously touched on what constitutes an export and mentioned strategic export controls. There is a legal requirement to control the export of certain information, goods, software or technology by way of the UK Strategic Export Control ListsLink opens in a new window. This is the consolidated list of strategic military and dual-use items that require export authorisation from the United Kingdom.
"Dual-use items (including goods, software and technology), are those items which can be used for both civil and military purposes." (UK Government, 2019)
The following are examples of this kind of research:
- Encryption research can enhance communication safety and be used by terrorists to avoid detection
- Research on virus genomes can help to develop protection against biological warfare and lead to the development of new agents to be used in biological warfare.
Even if the item is not designed for military use, it may have a military application or could be used as an alternative to military spec equipment. Such items could also have the utility for potential human rights abuses.
Dual-use controls are mostly based on performance parameters rather than design intent and can be difficult to interpret correctly. There are further factors to consider, such as the nature of the research, the identity of research partners and whether the items will be exported from the UK to countries subject to the Export Control Order 2008Link opens in a new window. Export is also restricted for more sensitive controlled dual-use items to any destination within the EU such as nuclear reactor related items, certain chemicals, biological agents and viruses. If your items are listed under an entry in the control list, you will probably need an export licence.
The dual-use list splits these items into ten different categories. These categories apply to many goods from electronic components through to raw materials. Intangible technology associated with the design, production or use of controlled goods is often also controlled.
As ever, the Research Governance and Compliance Team are on hand to work with you and apply on your behalf for an export license should this be required.
Next month we will look at end user concerns, and there is a follow-up article on export licenses planned for December.
RG&C Reminders
- Don’t forget that HEECA online training is available to everyone who may be working within the Trusted Research sphere. It takes 30-45 minutes and will supplement your knowledge on export control requirements. Email us on ResearchCompliance@warwick.ac.uk and one of the team will get you set up.
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If you need to contact Research & Impact Services for any reason, please visit our contact web page
Research Governance & Compliance Team:
James Burnett, Assistant Director / Head of Research Governance & Compliance
Charlotte Passingham, Trusted Research Manager
Laura Amlogu, Research Governance & Compliance Officer
Karen Chamberlain, Research Governance Officer
Please use our email address to get in touch:ResearchCompliance@warwick.ac.uk
Newsletter archive:
April 2025 tr_newsletter_vol_1_april_2025.pdf
May 2025 tr_newsletter_vol_2_may_2025
June 2025 Newsletter vol 3
July 2025 Newsletter vol 4
Sept 2025 Newsletter vol 5