DYB2011-Part-II-web

Biological and chemical weapons
During the meeting, participants worked to enhance best practices and
measures to detect and prevent attempts to proliferate sensitive and dual-use
chemicals, biological materials and related equipment. The Group shared
experience on measures to enhance and refine licensing and export controls in
order to meet current and emerging proliferation challenges.
The Group adopted a number of changes to its chemical and biological
control lists, which were to be reflected in subsequent versions of the
published lists. It also continued its review process of the proliferation risk
associated with new and emerging technologies, with a view to identifying
materials and equipment that might warrant inclusion at some future date in
national export control lists.
Recognizing that preventing unauthorized transfers of intangible
technology remains a priority for preventing the further proliferation of all
forms of weapons of mass destruction, the Group reviewed steps being
taken by several States to enhance such measures. As an additional practical
contribution, the Australia Group approved a new manual, 50 for use by the
Group’s participants in dealing with intangible transfers of technology.
The Group emphasized the ongoing importance of engaging industry
and academic sectors in support of the Group’s work, including in controlling
security-sensitive transfers of intangible technology. It noted the benefits
to industry of such outreach in facilitating legitimate trade. The Group also
shared experiences and best practices for such outreach activities.
The Australia Group plenary noted that its control lists continued to be
an international benchmark for best practice controls on dual use, chemical
and biological materials, equipment and related intangible technology. The
plenary agreed to continue its extensive engagements with non-members and
other international organizations in 2011-2012, with a view to the wider global
adoption of the lists as they evolve over time.
No new members were admitted to the Group in 2011. Nonetheless,
several countries received appropriate attention with regard to their interest in
membership. The plenary approved further engagement with these States.
50 The publication was made possible through the support of the Republic of Korea.
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