Mandate and Responsibility

The Mission

The Norwegian Agency for Export Control and Sanctions (DEKSA) is the national authority for export control and sanctions in Norway.

The Agency is responsible for implementing Norway’s international obligations in the export of military and dual use goods, and other sensitive technologies and is the licensing authority for export of these goods and technologies. The Agency contributes to national security by preventing Norwegian sensitive technology from being used to develop military capabilities in countries of concern.

DEKSA is also tasked with implementing sanctions and restrictive measures in line with Norway’s international obligations, including the enforcement of sanctions that Norway has aligned itself with.

Establishment of DEKSA in light of new challenges

Norwegian industries and academia are becoming increasingly globalized. Norwegian export of defence related goods as well as dual use goods and services is significantly increasing. Global value chains are becoming more complex. A more challenging security landscape increases the risk of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the risk of strategic technology and knowledge falling into the wrong hands.

International sanctions against Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine are the most extensive ever. The war in Europe is not only fought on the battlefield but is also influenced by access to defence and dual use goods, as well as other advanced technologies. The industry and academia’s need for guidance has increased correspondingly, both with respect to export control and international sanctions obligations.

The decision to establish the Norwegian Agency for Export Control and Sanctions (DEKSA) was made by the government in June 2023, and the Agency was established by Royal Resolution on February 9, 2024. The administrative responsibility for the relevant regulatory frameworks was transferred from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Agency on January 1, 2025.

DEKSA will strengthen Norway’s commitment to effective export control and sanctions through international cooperation, more guidance, efficient case handling, and collaboration with other national authorities. DEKSA aims to be a future oriented center of competence that through its mandate contributes to preventing sensitive technology from being diverted to use in countries of concern – and to ensure that sanctions are effective and impactful.