KPMG Meijburg & Co’s Trade & Customs team is pleased to invite you to an upcoming webcast on EU and US export control regulations relevant to Dutch companies that are entering the defence and dual use market. Dutch and EU defence spending is increasing significantly. As a result, a growing number of Dutch companies - including start-ups and scale-ups - are becoming part of the defence and dual use supply chain. This development can trigger export control and sanctions obligations, often earlier than expected. This involves not only navigating the extensive and complex EU legislation, but also understanding the potential significant impact of US export control laws on EU businesses, particularly when US products, US manufacturing or test equipment, raw materials, and technology are involved. In this webcast, we will cover the key fundamentals of these topics for those who are not familiar with this topic and looking to deepen their understanding.
Export controls in brief
Export controls are regulations that, for various reasons, restrict the export, use, or end-user of certain goods, software, and technologies. These restrictions are primarily driven by concerns about the impact that the free movement of specific items may have on:
• National and international security
• The development and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
• Political repression and human rights abuses
Goods, software and technology subject to export controls are categorized into two main groups:
• Military items: Goods designed solely for military use
• Dual-use items: Goods, software, and technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes
For Dutch companies, export controls are enforced by Dutch Customs (CDIU) under EU regulations. In addition, US export control rules—notably ITAR and EAR—may also apply, sometimes without this being immediately apparent.
Why this topic is relevant
Entering or expanding within the defence and dual use sector presents commercial opportunities, but also introduces regulatory and operational risks. Export controls can affect a broad range of sectors including, deep tech, semiconductors, aerospace, advanced materials, robotics, AI, cybersecurity, telecommunications, life sciences and photonics. Understanding where your products, technology, or software sit within this framework is essential for managing regulatory risk and enabling sustainable growth.
Non-compliance with export control regulations can lead to significant penalties, administrative and criminal enforcement actions, project delays, loss of funding, and reputational damage. Building a solid understanding of export controls early helps embed compliance into your growth strategy from the outset.
