While it may not seem obvious, it is in the interests of any defence force to ensure that proliferation of arms and armaments is controlled as effectively as possible. The New Zealand Government is committed to exercising responsible oversight of exports of strategic (military and dual-use) goods, and is party to international regimes on the control of such goods. This system is an essential element of New Zealand’s non-proliferation and disarmament policy and our commitment to restricting the ability of states to arm themselves, and in particular develop weapons of mass destruction. Controls are becoming increasingly stringent as the war on terrorism increases in intensity.
All exporters of strategic goods are required by law to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). MFAT, in turn, may seek guidance from other interested parties, such as Customs, Police and Defence. Defence will study an export application from the point of view of the nature of the importing country, the possibility of the goods being forwarded on, and any likely military, civil, or terrorist implications.
Export controls are administered by MFAT. A list of controlled goods and other information is available on their web site www.mfat.govt.nz/foreign/disarmament.
This page was last reviewed on 21 February 2007 and is current.