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Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls [CoCom]
Understanding the Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls [CoCom]: A Historical Overview
Definition & Meaning
The Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls, commonly known as CoCom, was an informal organization established after World War I. Its primary purpose was to restrict the transfer of weapons technology to Warsaw Pact countries. CoCom operated until 1994, after which its functions were largely taken over by the Wassenaar Arrangement. This organization aimed to maintain control over the export of military and dual-use goods, ensuring that member nations complied with specific regulations, including the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
Table of content
Legal Use & context
CoCom's regulations were significant in the realm of international trade and arms control. Legal practitioners may encounter references to CoCom in contexts involving export controls, international trade law, and compliance with arms regulations. The AECA and ITAR provide frameworks for U.S. compliance with such international agreements, allowing individuals and businesses to understand their responsibilities when exporting military-related items.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
One example of CoCom's influence is the regulation of U.S. companies that sought to export advanced technology to countries in the Warsaw Pact. For instance, a U.S. manufacturer of military aircraft components needed to obtain export licenses to ensure compliance with CoCom guidelines before shipping products abroad. (hypothetical example).
Relevant laws & statutes
The key legal frameworks associated with CoCom include:
Arms Export Control Act (AECA): Governs the export of defense articles and services.
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR): Implements the AECA and controls the export of defense-related materials.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Key Differences
Wassenaar Arrangement
An international agreement that controls the export of conventional arms and dual-use goods.
Wassenaar succeeded CoCom and has a broader membership base, including non-NATO countries.
Arms Export Control Act (AECA)
A U.S. law that regulates the export of defense articles and services.
AECA is a specific U.S. statute, while CoCom was an international committee.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you are involved in exporting military or dual-use items, ensure you understand the relevant regulations under the AECA and ITAR. Consider using US Legal Forms' templates for export compliance documentation. If your situation is complex or involves significant legal implications, consulting a legal professional is advisable.
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