Export control are regulations used to govern the export of military and dual-use goods—items with both civilian and military applications. While these rules are often associated with industry and defence, it’s increasingly clear that they also affect the research world—especially in fields involving advanced technologies and international collaboration. In some cases, data or research results may end up being used in ways that were never intended, such as in the development of military systems or war materials.
At the faculty office, Carina Jarl, a legal specialist and project manager, and Tobias Nilsson, an investigator, serve as the faculty’s contact points for export control matters. In this interview, they explain what export controls are, why the issue is important, and how researchers can access support and deepen their understanding of the topic.
What exactly is export control?
“In a nutshell, export control is about making sure that sensitive technologies or information don’t end up in the wrong hands—for example, in countries we don’t trust,” explains Tobias Nilsson. “That’s why the regulations govern the export or transfer of certain products and technologies outside Sweden. For us, this may mean needing special authorisation to send specific items or data to countries outside the EU.”
Tobias, who have been learning about export control together with Carina for nearly a year, adds:
“What researchers particularly need to be aware of are dual-use items—so-called PDAs (products with dual-use applications). These are goods, technologies or software that have civilian uses but could also be used for military purposes, including the development of weapons of mass destruction. This includes things like materials, components, chemicals, micro-organisms, measuring instruments, or high-precision manufacturing equipment. Even knowledge about how these technologies are used, developed, or produced can be subject to regulations.”
“It’s not just about physical goods,” adds Carina Jarl. “Knowledge transfer is also included — for example, if you share technical information with an international colleague visiting Sweden, who then brings that information back to a country outside the EU and uses it for export-controlled purposes. Many people don’t realise that export control isn't just about what physically leaves the country, but also about who gains access to sensitive information—and how it might be used.”
Why is it important to know what export control is?
“The legislation is complex, but also clear in some respects — for example, it defines very precisely what counts as a PDA. These items, and certain knowledge about them, can’t be taken outside the EU without authorisation. That doesn’t mean it’s forbidden—but the university must apply for authorisation from ISP, the Swedish Inspectorate of Strategic Products,” says Tobias Nilsson.
“So far, Lund University has never submitted such an application. That could be because it hasn’t been necessary—but it might also be that we didn’t realise it was required. That’s why it’s so important to raise awareness of the regulations,” he adds.
How are the faculty and university working with export control?
Work on export control is being carried out both centrally and at the faculty and departmental levels. Still, there are challenges and some uncertainty:
“We sometimes receive information from the central administration that we’re expected to pass on to ‘those concerned’—but it’s not always clear who those people are, or how they might be affected,” says Carina Jarl. “Right now, we’re working on informing the Dean and heads of department about the general framework and looking at how we can create clearer routines and ensure the right information reaches the right people.”
The Faculty of Science is currently in a build-up phase when it comes to handling export controls. There’s a need for better oversight, more structured processes, and a systematic approach. Carina adds that she and Tobias have recently started collaborating with LTH and the Faculty of Medicine to review procedures and share experiences.
What should researchers keep in mind in practice?
“The most important thing is to ask yourself: could my research or collaborations be subject to export control regulations? If the answer is ‘maybe’, don’t hesitate to contact one of us,” says Tobias. “The Secretariat is your first point of contact—we’re happy to discuss the issue and can refer you to, for example, legal experts or the university’s security function.”
Carina Jarl concludes:
“There are good resources available on the university’s staff website, and a digital course developed by several Swedish universities that we highly recommend. The more people who take the course, the more awareness we build—and the better prepared we are as an organisation to face a complex and changing world.”
Read more and take the course on export control: