Biological weapons are microorganisms or toxins used with the intention of doing harm to the population or the environment. There are a number of global treaties and initiatives promoting measures and drafting legislation to minimize the risk of their being used maliciously.
In the EC, the export of dual-use and defence material is controlled and regulated by Regulation (EC) No 428/2009 and its subsequent addendums and amendments. The strains listed in Annex I of said Regulation shall only be exported from the EC in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Government of Spain.
In Spain, Law 53/2007, on the control of foreign trade in dual-use and defence materials, in its final provision, establishes that the Government, by means of a Royal Decree, will issue the regulations developed therein. Royal Decree 679/2014 dictates these standards and Annex III.3 lists dual-use products and technologies subject to control on importation and / or introduction into Spanish territory.
The following table shows the list of microorganisms subject to export controls outside the Union (Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2021/821 Annex I) and those subject both to export outside the Union and their introduction into the Spanish territory (RD 679/2014, Annex III.3).
Resources:
- End user undertaking export/expedition of defense equipment and dual use goods.
- Information of the European Commision about export control of defense and doble use material
- Information of Spanish Government about defense and doble use material