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Home > Our Mission > Preventing Proliferation

Preventing Proliferation

Keeping weapons of mass destruction (WMD) out of the hands of state and non-state actors requires a coordinated effort on the part of suppliers of proliferation-sensitive materials, equipment, and technologies. Even advanced countries with elaborate trade control systems frequently lack the capability to make those systems truly effective in detecting, deterring, and interdicting illicit WMD-related trade.NNSA prevents and counters WMD proliferation by strengthening export control systems in other countries and transitioning WMD expertise and infrastructure in partner countries to peaceful purposes.

Domestic Export Licensing

When commercial enterprises apply for export licenses, government analysts must assess the proliferation risk associated with the proposed transfer by uncovering inconsistencies between the commodity, its stated end use, and the activities and credentials of the end users.  NNSA strengthens the ability of licensing analysts to uncover suspicious procurement activity and assess proliferation risk.

International Export Control Cooperation

NNSA establishes partnerships with technical agencies, institutes, and organizations of cooperating governments to support government outreach efforts to promote awareness of national export control requirements, and to enhance the ability of enforcement personnel, primarily customs officers, to recognize and interdict strategic commodities.  This cooperation focuses on strengthening three critical components of effective export control systems in partner countries: enterprise compliance, licensing analysis, and enforcement.

Scientist Engagement & Redirection

As part of the effort to control weapons of mass destruction (WMD) technology and expertise, NNSA engages key weapons experts in peaceful activities.   By reintegrating former WMD experts into the international civilian scientific community through workshops and training programs, NNSA reduces the risk of WMD scientist recruitment by parties seeking to apply these scientists' expertise for military purposes.  The former WMD personnel, originating from Iraq, Libya, Russia and other former Soviet states, engage in partnerships with U.S. companies to develop peaceful commercial technologies.