Export Control and Related Border Security Assistance (EXBS)

About EXBS
The Export Control and Related Border Security Assistance (EXBS) program is the U.S. Government’s premier initiative to help other countries improve their export control systems. Managed by the Department of State’s Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, EXBS is designed to help prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), their missile delivery systems, conventional weapons, and related items by assisting foreign governments to establish and implement effective export control systems that meet international standards.

U.S. Export Control System
The U.S. Government controls exports of sensitive equipment, software, and technology as a means to promote our national security interests and foreign policy objectives. Through our export control system, the U.S. Government can effectively:

• Provide for national security by limiting access to the most sensitive U.S. technology and weapons
• Promote regional stability
• Take into account human rights considerations
• Prevent proliferation of weapons and technologies, including of weapons of mass destruction, to problem end-users and supporters of international terrorism
• Comply with international commitments, e.g., nonproliferation regimes and UN Security Council sanctions and UNSC resolution 1540

International Conferences
EXBS sponsors regional and global conferences to bring national policymakers and technical experts together to share information about proliferation challenges and the latest developments in the multilateral nonproliferation regimes, to compare experiences, and to facilitate information-sharing and networking. EXBS sponsors regular International Export Control Conferences and Global Transshipment Conferences, as well as many regional conferences. EXBS events have also focused on UNSCR 1540 implementation and improved controls on conventional arms, including MANPADS and small arms/light weapons, and dual-use items.

Best Practices
By keeping up with international best practices, governments and industry alike can ensure they are doing their part to help keep illicit goods out of the hands of proliferators.

Red Flags & Watch Lists
“Red Flag Indicators,” from the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, encourage citizens to play an active role in the fight against proliferation and highlights specific activity indicative of potential export violations.

EXBS Resources
NGO’s, multilateral control regimes, various departments of the U.S. Government, the European Union, and governments around the world are playing their respective parts in bolstering security by stopping the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.