Foreign trade law

To safeguard peace, the Federal Republic of Germany has made an international commitment to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the uncontrolled accumulation of conventional armaments. The control of sensitive goods, including technology and software, is an important part of this non-proliferation strategy.

As sensitive technological knowledge is also available in German research institutions and universities, these areas are also subject to licensing obligations under foreign trade law. In the academic sector, licensing requirements may apply, for example, to research collaborations with foreign institutions, cooperation with visiting scientists, the shipment of scientific equipment abroad or publications and business trips. The constitutionally guaranteed freedom of science does not exempt from compliance with the control regulations for dual-use and military equipment.

You can find more information on the topic of export controls in research and science here.