Pakistan updates National Control Lists, tightens export licensing rules

Pakistan has formally notified revised National Control Lists under the Export Control Act, 2004, updating the items that require prior approval before export as part of efforts to align domestic regulations with international non-proliferation standards.

According to an official notification issued under the Export Control on Goods, Technologies, Material and Equipment related to Nuclear and Biological Weapons and their Delivery Systems Act, 2004, exports of listed items will require licences from the Strategic Export Control Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Foreign Office said the updated Control Lists were published in the Gazette of Pakistan through S.R.O. 1977(I)/2025 dated October 13, 2025, and have been placed on the website of the Strategic Export Control Division to facilitate public access and compliance.

The notification stated that the revised lists were issued in exercise of powers under the Export Control Act, 2004, and specify goods, technologies, materials and equipment that now fall under mandatory export licensing requirements.

First introduced in 2005 and amended periodically since then, the National Control Lists have been updated following consultations with relevant ministries. The latest revision reflects continued harmonisation with international export control frameworks, including the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Missile Technology Control Regime and the Australia Group.

The Foreign Office said the notification reinforces Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its export control framework and meeting its international obligations related to non-proliferation.