National general export authorisation for dual-use items to facilitate exports; new guidance for businesses

Following the new Act on the Export Control of Dual-Use Items, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has granted a national general export authorisation. The national authorisation allows businesses to export dual-use items on the national control list to certain countries simply by notifying the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The Ministry has also issued guidance for businesses on export control legislation.

The new national Act on the Export Control of Dual-Use Items (500/2024) entered into force on 15 September 2024. Following this act, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has granted a new national general export authorisation (in Finnish) which will be valid from 29 October 2024. The decision will be served by public notice (in Finnish).

The national general export authorisation allows businesses to export items specified on the control list annexed to the Act on the Export Control of Dual-Use Items simply by notifying the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. This is possible in cases where a business is exporting items on the national control list to countries listed in the national general export authorisation.

Exports must be reported to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs within 30 days from the date when the first export took place. More information on the national general export authorisation and the terms of its use are available on the Foreign Ministry’s website.

New guidance for businesses

The entry into force of the new Act amended the legislation on export control of dual-use items. The Foreign Ministry has issued guidance for businesses (in Finnish) to help them interpret the legislation on dual-use items and to provide an overview of their legal obligations.