Missile Technology Control Group
Background about the Missile Technology Control Regime, which is an voluntary grouping of countries who agree to adopt the regime's export guidelines and to restrict the export of items in the regime's Annex of listed items. This group is one of the export control international regimes in which the UK participates.
Exports of missiles, rockets, related equipment and accessories specially designed for military use have been controlled for many years.
In 1987, guidelines were agreed between Canada, France, the Federal Republic of Germany (as it then was), Italy, Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom covering the export of missile technology. The number of countries belonging to the Regime has increased steadily and became known as the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). To see the countries that are currently signed up to the MTCR you can check the List of Non-Proliferation Regime Members
The MTCR was originally committed to controlling the transfer of equipment and technology able to contribute to a ballistic or cruise missile, which could deliver a 500 kg nuclear warhead to a range of at least 300 km. The MTCR has since become increasingly concerned about the proliferation of missiles capable of carrying chemical or biological payloads, which can be significantly lighter. In January 1993, the Regime therefore agreed to extend its scope to include any missile capable of a range of at least 300 km. Meetings of the Regime are held annually to exchange information about missile programmes and review the equipment and technology controlled commonly by its Partners and which are critical to missile programmes.
The MTCR is neither an international treaty nor a legally binding agreement. MTCR Partners voluntarily pledge to adopt the regime's export guidelines and to restrict the export of items in the regime's Annex of listed items. There are no provisions in the regime for the enforcement of its terms or sanctions for violations. Trade of MTCR controlled items between regime partners and with non-partner states that adhere to the guidelines is not absolutely prohibited, but it is constrained by national export control legislation.
In the MTCR, Category I missiles are those capable of delivering at least a 500kg payload to a range of at least 300km. In reviewing the proposed applications for transfers of Category I missile systems each Partner will take account of the ability to trade off range and payload. However, the guidelines do not authorise the transfer of Category I production facilities and stipulate a "strong presumption to deny" transfer of Category I missiles.
The following list indicates the kinds of dual-use items controlled:
- Accelerometers and gyroscopes
- Metal powders
- Precision tracking systems
- Rocket engines
- Ceramics and carbon fibre composite materials
- Space launch vehicles and sounding rockets
- Production equipment for composite
- Telemetry equipment materials
- Small gas turbine engines
- Gravity meters
- Wind tunnels
- Inertial navigation equipment
- Isostatic presses
- Vibration test equipment
You should consult the UK's Strategic Export Control Lists for the full lists of goods and their control parameters. These are published on the export control pages on the Business Link website.
You will also need to bear in mind End-Use Control requirements when considering exporting similar goods or other goods that might be useful in a missile programme. Further details about End-Use Controls are also available on the Business Link site.
Export Control Organisation
Updated: March 2010
