Export licence for defence and strategic goods checklist
Exporting defence and strategic goods, technology, or software from Australia requires a permit under the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 (Cth). The Defence Export Controls (DEC) office within the Department of Defence administers the permit system. Items are controlled if they appear on the Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL). Penalties for unlicensed export are severe, including criminal sanctions.
This is a 12-step checklist for obtaining an export permit for defence and strategic goods from Australia under the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 (Cth). It covers the Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL) classification, permit application to the Defence Export Controls office, and end-user due diligence.
The checklist
Classify the goods against the DSGL
Determine whether the goods, technology, or software are listed on Part 1 (munitions) or Part 2 (dual-use) of the Defence and Strategic Goods List.
Assess whether an exemption applies
Check whether a statutory exemption applies — such as publicly available technology, basic scientific research, or the Australia–US defence trade treaty.
Identify the end user and end use
Document the identity of the end user, the intended end use, and the final destination country for the goods or technology.
Conduct end-user due diligence
Screen the end user against Australian sanctions lists, the UN Security Council consolidated list, and any DFAT country-specific restrictions.
Obtain an end-user certificate
Request a signed end-user certificate from the recipient confirming the intended use, non-diversion, and non-re-export commitments.
Prepare the technical assessment
Prepare a technical description of the goods or technology sufficient for DEC to assess the DSGL classification and export risk.
Lodge the permit application with DEC
Submit the export permit application through the Defence Export Controls online portal with the prescribed fee, technical assessment, end-user certificate, and supporting documents.
Respond to DEC assessment queries
Address any requests for additional technical information, end-user verification, or clarification from the DEC assessor.
Comply with any conditions on the permit
Review the permit conditions — including delivery verification, reporting obligations, and re-export restrictions — and implement compliance procedures.
Coordinate with customs brokers
Ensure the customs broker is aware of the permit number and conditions, and that the export declaration references the correct DSGL classification.
Maintain export records
Keep records of all export transactions, permits, end-user certificates, and correspondence for the period required by the Act (at least five years).
Diarise permit expiry and renewal
Record the permit validity period and lodge a renewal application before expiry if further exports of the same goods to the same end user are planned.
When this checklist applies
Use when exporting goods, technology, or software that may be controlled under the Defence and Strategic Goods List from Australia.
Common pitfalls
- Assuming dual-use technology is not controlled because it has civilian applications
- Exporting before the permit is issued — penalties include criminal prosecution
- Inadequate end-user due diligence leading to diversion risk
- Customs declarations that do not reference the DSGL classification
- Failing to maintain export records for the statutory retention period
Run this checklist on a real matter
Quillio can screen end users against sanctions lists, cross-reference goods descriptions against the DSGL, and draft end-user certificate templates.
General guidance for Australian defence and strategic goods export permits under the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 (Cth). Export control obligations are strict — obtain specialist trade controls legal advice before exporting.
Use this checklist on your matter.
Quillio can run this checklist on a specific NSW conveyancing matter — confirm each item, calculate adjustments, and generate the supporting documents. The free trial requires no credit card.
Start your free trial