Oversight for Arms Trade Treaty

The BAFA is tasked with oversight of the Arms Trade Treaty in Germany, and the domestic Kriegswaffenkontrollgesetz (War weapons control act).^[7][8] The BAFA has been entrusted by the Council of the EU with the technical implementation of the EU ATT Outreach Project.^[7]

The BAFA receives arms and dual-use export license applications and also uses a consolidated list to determine how the item should be controlled. Germany's consolidated Export List includes a section for arms and one for dual-use items. Some items in the arms section, contained in a specific list known as "war weapons," are subject to additional prohibitions and licensing requirements under the War Weapons Control Act, and are reviewed and approved by another part of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology. When applying for an export license to BAFA, applicants have to submit a copy of the war weapons license granted by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology if the export is subject to the War Weapons Control Act.^[9]

Foreign trade

The office oversees German exports in general and the export of weaponry and dual-use technology in particular.^[10] The BAFA keeps detailed lists of goods which have to be scrutinized before a consent is possible. Hereby it considers embargos and international regulations such as the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

On behest of the European Union the BAFA also enforces the Union's regulations concerning the import of specific goods including textile and steel.^[11]

Moreover, the office supports countries outside the European Union in case they are about to establish their own export control systems.^[12]

Promotion of economic development

The BAFA strives to improve the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises. It promotes management consulting, helps companies to present their products at international trade fairs etc.

Energy and environmental protection

The main goal is to promote efficient energy use as well as establishing a sustainable energy supply. The office's programmes for that matter pursue for example a growing use of cogeneration. This includes incentives for evolvements in the field of renewable energy on the grounds of solar thermal energy, biomass and heat pumps. The BAFA also offers professional certification for appropriate constructions and consultants for energy conservation.^[13]