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Category 4 - Computers

13 ECN entries

Category 4 targets strategic computing capabilities: computers exceeding Adjusted Peak Performance thresholds (APP, 4A003), quantum computers (4A506, EU-autonomous control). Historical Weighted TeraFLOPS thresholds have evolved with advanced chip restrictions. Typical products: supercomputers, GPU accelerators for AI, quantum computing modules. This category is at the heart of US-China technology restrictions on semiconductors.

All categories

0Nuclear Materials, Facilities and Equipment 1Special Materials and Related Equipment 2Materials Processing 3Electronics 4Computers 5Telecommunications and 'Information Security'6Sensors and Lasers 7Navigation and Avionics 8Marine 9Aerospace and Propulsion

General Technology Note (GTN)

The export of 'technology' which is 'required' for the 'development', 'production' or 'use' of items controlled in Categories 0 to 9 is controlled according to the provisions in each Category. 'Technology' 'required' for the 'development', 'production' or 'use' of a controlled item remains controlled even when applicable to a non-controlled item. Controls do not apply to that 'technology' which is the minimum necessary for the installation, operation, maintenance (checking) and repair of those items which are not controlled or whose export has been authorised. Controls on 'technology' transfer do not apply to information 'in the public domain', to 'basic scientific research' or to the minimum information necessary for patent applications.

General Software Note (GSN)

The Lists do not control 'software' which is either: 1. Generally available to the public by being: a. Sold from stock at retail selling points, without restriction, by means of: (1) Over-the-counter transactions; (2) Mail order transactions; (3) Electronic transactions; or (4) Telephone call transactions; and b. Designed for installation by the user without further substantial support by the supplier; or 2. 'In the public domain'.

Category 4 - Computers

This category covers digital computers, assemblies and related equipment. The primary control threshold is the Adjusted Peak Performance (APP), measured in Weighted TeraFLOPS (WT). APP is an adjusted peak rate at which digital computers perform 64-bit or larger floating-point additions and multiplications. The current threshold is 29 WT. This is periodically updated via Delegated Act to reflect advances in commercial computing. The 2025 update introduced new EU-autonomous entry 4A506 for quantum computers.

Catch-All Clause - Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2021/821

Article 4(1): An authorisation shall be required for the export of dual-use items not listed in Annex I if the exporter has been informed by the competent authority that the items in question are or may be intended, in their entirety or in part, for use in connection with: (a) the development, production, handling, operation, maintenance, storage, detection, identification or dissemination of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices; or (b) the development, production, maintenance or storage of missiles capable of delivering such weapons. Article 4(2): If an exporter is aware that dual-use items which he proposes to export, not listed in Annex I, are intended, in their entirety or in part, for any of the uses referred to in paragraph 1, he must notify the competent authority. That authority shall decide whether or not the export concerned is to be made subject to authorisation. Article 4(3) & (4): Member States may adopt or maintain national legislation imposing an authorisation requirement for WMD-related catch-all and military end-use catch-all.

Cyber-Surveillance Catch-All - Article 5 of Regulation (EU) 2021/821

Article 5(1): An authorisation shall be required for the export of cyber-surveillance items not listed in Annex I if the exporter has been informed by the competent authority that the items in question are or may be intended, in their entirety or in part, for use in connection with internal repression and/or the commission of serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. Article 5(2): If an exporter is aware, pursuant to its due diligence findings, that cyber-surveillance items which it proposes to export, not listed in Annex I, are intended, in their entirety or in part, for any of the uses referred to in paragraph 1, he must notify the competent authority. The exporter shall act with due diligence in particular by taking into account the nature of the end-user and the country of destination.

Group A - Systems, equipment and components8

4A001Wassenaar Arrangement

Electronic computers and related equipment, having any of the following and "electronic assemblies" and specially designed components therefor:

7 sub-entries

4A002Wassenaar Arrangement

Not used since 2003

4A003Wassenaar Arrangement (WA)3 thresholds

'Digital computers', 'electronic assemblies', and related equipment therefor, as follows, and specially designed components therefor.

7 sub-entries

4A004Wassenaar Arrangement (WA)

Computers as follows, and specially designed related equipment, 'electronic assemblies' and components therefor:

3 sub-entries

4A005Wassenaar Arrangement

Systems, equipment, and components therefor, specially designed or modified for the generation, command and control, or delivery of "intrusion software".

4A101MTCR

Analogue computers, "digital computers" or digital differential analysers, other than those specified in 4A001.a.1., which are ruggedized and designed or modified for use in space launch vehicles specified in 9A004 or sounding rockets specified in 9A104.

4A102MTCR

Hybrid computers specially designed for modelling, simulation or design integration of space launch vehicles specified in 9A004 or sounding rockets specified in 9A104.

4A506EU autonomous control (2025 update)

Quantum computers and related components. This is a new '500-series' EU-autonomous entry added in the 2025 update to control quantum computing systems.