Norway's Export Control Act  (pdf) and Export Control Regulations provide the legal framework for the export control system. Guidelines (pdf) have been drawn up for the processing of applications for the export of arms, military equipment and components, as well as  technology and services for military use (i.e. defence-related products). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs administers the Export Control Act and is responsible for drafting  regulations and guidelines to ensure effective implementation.  

Under the export control system, a range of products, technology and services may not be exported without an export licence from Deksa. The Export Control Regulations specifies three lists of controlled goods:  

List I: defense-related products 
List II: dual-use items 
List III: national list (introduced in November 2024) of particularly sensitive, emerging technologies 

List II covers civilian products and related technology and services not included in List I that may also have military uses. List I and II are are the result of negotiations within the multilateral export control regimes in which Norway participates. List III covers certain particularly sensitive emerging technologies that are currently not controlled under List II.  

The three lists are integral parts of the legislation and are updated regularly. 

The regulations also require a licence for brokering services involving the sale of products or technology from one foreign country to another. In addition, there are provisions requiring an export licence for any products, technology or services under certain circumstances. These are known as ‘catch-all’ clauses. The licensing requirement also applies to products designed or modified for military use, regardless of their condition at the time of export. 

Adequate documentation of end use must be provided before an export licence can be issued.  Deksa may also impose additional conditions when granting licences.