The Australia Group

The Australia Group is an informal organization which about 30 nations have joined. Members of the group cooperate to ensure that export of materials and equipments do not contribute to the spread of chemical or biological weapons.

The group meets every two years to:

• discuss measures to control the export of CBW-related equipment;
• discuss effective means of implementing and enforcing export controls;
• exchange information on CBW proliferation;
• discuss controlling activities that could lead to proliferation;
• expand membership and influence.

Biological Weapons

These countries have identified a number of animal and plant pathogens and toxins that could be used as biological weapons. Some of these agents have been developed into weapons by some nations and some may even have been used. The data sheets in these pages are based on the Australia Group lists.

In addition, they have identified dual use biological equipment suitable for development, production or dissemination of biological warfare agents.

Chemical Weapons

Many chemical weapons were identified before the Australia Group came into being. However, there are often many ways of synthesizing them. The Australia Group has identified a number (54) of key precursor chemicals and have adopted export controls on them. They have also identified key dual use manufacturing equipment and technologies that need to be monitored.

Click here for a complete listing of materials and equipment under Australia Group export control

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