Global security: the dilemma posed by dual-use goods in the Customs tariff

Customs officers around the world are used to implementing a broad range of controls, and increasingly, security-related controls. Of these, controls of dual-use commodities may be some of the most difficult to understand and apply. After the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, a number of international initiatives were taken to improve the security of international movements of goods and persons. Amongst them, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (UNSCR 1540) makes it obligatory for UN member States to put in place an export and transit control system to prevent the dissemination of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) - related technology to unauthorized nonstate organizations or people.