Security export control

Source: Guidance for the Control of Sensitive Technology Related to Security Trade (for Universities and Research Institutions) https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/anpo/law_document/tutatu/t07sonota/t07sonota_jishukanri03.pdf

Overview of Security Export Control

Security export control is a management system for the purpose of maintaining international peace and security, including Japan, to prevent weapons and goods that can be converted for military use (equipment, samples, etc.) and technologies from falling into the hands of countries developing weapons of mass destruction, terrorists, etc. In Japan, restrictions are imposed based on the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (Foreign Exchange Act).
Security export control applies to "export of goods and provision of technology." It may seem like a regulation that is not relevant to universities, but in reality, there are opportunities for technology provision and export of goods in the following research activities, which may be subject to regulation.

Opportunities for exporting goods and providing technology

Main Opportunities	Examples
Accepting international students and researchers	Use of experimental equipment, provision of prototype technical information via e-mail, USB memory, or fax, research guidance, technical guidance, meetings, and consultations
Joint research with overseas universities and companies	Lending, sending and taking out experimental equipment; Providing technical information by e-mail, USB memory and FAX; Meetings and discussions
Sending and taking out research samples for academic research purposes	Sending and taking out samples, carrying homemade research equipment
Facility tours from overseas	Tour of research facilities, explanation of research content, distribution of explanatory materials, explanation of experimental equipment
Overseas business trip	Presentations at international conferences (oral, posters, etc.), exhibitions, meetings, etc.

Content of the regulation

There are two types of regulations regarding security export control, and the regulations that apply vary depending on the party (country, organization, etc.) to which you are exporting goods or providing technology.

■ List Restrictions
This is a system that requires permission from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry if the goods to be exported fall under Items 1 to 15 of the Export Trade Control Order, Appendix 1, or if the technology to be provided falls under Items 1 to 15 of the Foreign Exchange Order, Appendix 1. Based on international agreements, this system regulates goods and technologies that are likely to be used for the development of weapons and weapons of mass destruction.

■ Catch-all regulations
Even if the goods to be exported or the technology to be provided do not fall under the list control, if they meet the specified requirements, permission from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is required. There are two types of catch-all controls: weapons of mass destruction catch-all controls and conventional weapons catch-all controls.

Catch-all regulations on weapons of mass destruction
This applies when exporting goods or providing technology to countries other than white countries, and is regulated based on whether there is concern that the goods or technology will be used for the development of weapons of mass destruction, etc., based on the "user" or "purpose" of the goods or technology.

◆ Catch-all regulations on conventional weapons
This applies when exporting goods or providing technology to countries or regions under a UN arms embargo, and is regulated based on whether there is concern that the goods or technology will be used for the development of conventional weapons, etc.

University Structure and Regulations

While taking into consideration the sound development of academic research, our university is committed to supporting researchers so that they can conduct international research activities with peace of mind, in accordance with the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (Act No. 228 of 1949) and the cabinet orders and ministerial ordinances related to export control that are based on this Act (hereinafter referred to as the "Foreign Exchange Act, etc."). To this end, we have established the "Aoyama Gakuin University Security Export Control Regulations" and the "Research Policy on Military Research," and are working to establish an appropriate export control system.

Application procedures, etc. (for researchers at this university)

If a transaction that is deemed to require security export control procedures is likely to occur, you will need to determine whether or not an in-house review is required using the "Advance Confirmation Sheet," and then conduct an in-house review.
For details regarding the application, please see the Aoyama Gakuin University Information Website for Researchers below.

Aoyama Gakuin University Researcher Information Web