Export Control
Export control authority
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy with its Export Control Department as a central licensing authority is mainly responsible for executing the export control policy of the Republic of Austria. You need an export license, inter alia, defence-related products, firearms, dual-use items and goods which could be used for capital punishment, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Furthermore restrictions on certain chemicals and nuclear material apply. Besides, you have to comply with sanctions and embargos, as well.
Please consult for details the underlying legal acts:
- Außenwirtschaftsgesetz 2011 (Foreign Trade Act 2011)
- Erste Außenwirtschaftsverordnung 2011 (First Foreign Trade Regulation 2011)
- Zweite Außenwirtschaftsverordnung 2019 (Second Foreign Trade Regulation 2019)
- Sicherheitskontrollgesetz 2013 (Security Control Act 2013)
- EU-Directive on Defence-related Products (in Annex: EU-Common Military List)
- EU-Firearms-Regulation
- EU-Dual-Use-Regulation
- EU-Anti-Torture Regulation
- EU-Website on Sanctions
War material according to the War Material Act is administered by the Federal Ministry of Interior. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy is in charge of administering sanctions and embargos, when it comes to restrictions related to goods. In contrast, the Central Bank of the Republic of Austria, the National Bank of Austria, is in charge of financial transactions.
You may file electronically for an application here. Alternatively, you may apply by paper. Click here for further information.
The process of deciding, whether a license will be granted, involves several stages, with other ministries being involved, such as the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Defence. Accordingly, depending on the kind of good, for which you are filing, processing may take longer. Therefore, we recommend filing for an application, in any case, as soon as possible.
Contact Information
Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy
Department V/2 - Export Control
Stubenring 1
1010 Vienna
Email: exportkontrolle@bmaw.gv.at
Telephone: (+43) 0800-240 258 or (+43) 1 711 00-805555