Know Your Export Control Regulations

Export controlled goods are products that are regulated by government authorities and require special permission/licences to be exported. To determine if your product is export controlled, you should research or seek advice on your national export of controlled goods regulations and liaise with the relevant government agencies to obtain the required approvals and documentation.

UNKOWN-UNKNOWNS

This sounds simple enough, however, many businesses are unaware of the scope of the regulations and do not even consider these regulations when exporting goods. We call this the ‘unknown-unkowns’ phase, where a business is operating in ignorance of the regulations and are unaware if or how their products should be managed in relation to the Export Control Regulations. This is the most dangerous phase of compliance, where you are operating in an environment of you don’t know what you don’t know.

KNOWN-UNKNOWNS

As we move along the road to compliance; the first thing we must do is educate the exporter in fact that there are regulations, a brief overview of those regulations and describe how products are identified and controlled within the regulations. Most importantly how these regulations are administered and policed on a national level. This brings the exporter into the ‘known-unknown’ phase. They now understand there are regulations in place but are unsure how these regulations directly affect their business relation to the export of their goods. We are now taking control of the compliance of goods and technology and can start the internal process development to ensure compliance.

KNOWN-KNOWNS

The final phase of implementing Export Control Processes and creating a system to manage the ‘known-knowns’. We create processes for, defining and recording products against the control lists, an understanding and process for export approval and licencing. Training of staff to a relevant level on controlled products and special measures to be taken when trading these items. Finally, there is the ongoing process management and governance of the new controlled products processes.

At Ceterus Consultants we deliver consultancy in Business Management, Quality Assurance and Export Controls. Our services and rates are tailored to customers requirements.