The annual 'dual use' seminar of the Strategic Goods Control Unit took place in Leuven on 26 April. Over 100 participants learned more about the licensing process for strategic goods. In this edition there was special attention for human rights and how this is incorporated in the license procedure.
The presentation focused on raising awareness about the implementation, the Flemish interpretation and the importance of the human rights criterion on the basis of European regulations in the assessment of the license request for dual-use products. The participants learned more about which items attract attention and which types of transactions could have a problematic effect according the Flemish Government. Most likely resulting in a refusal of the requested license.
Other topics discussed at the seminar were the procedure and lead times, the technical updates of the lists of licensed products and a guest lecture on the risks of industrial espionage.
The Strategic Goods Control Unit is responsible for the policy and the license procedure of strategic goods, including dual use goods. These "dual-use items" are civilian products that can also be used militarily or misused in the production of weapons of mass destruction.
