Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

1994-11-16Executive Order 12938
Signed by: William J. Clinton
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Headline: Requires Sanctions and Export Controls to Stop Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation

What it does: Agencies must impose export controls, procurement bans, and sanctions to prevent the spread of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons.

Real World Impact:
  • Restricts exports of goods, technology, and services that could aid weapons programs.
  • Bans U.S. procurement from designated foreign persons involved in proliferation.
  • Allows broad sanctions on countries using or developing chemical or biological weapons.
Topics: weapons nonproliferation, export controls, sanctions, national security, foreign policy

Summary

This executive order declares a national emergency over the spread of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons and their delivery systems, and directs action to stop that proliferation.

It orders the departments that handle exports, diplomacy, and trade to block or limit exports of goods, technology, and services that could help other countries build or deliver such weapons, and to pursue sanctions against foreign people and countries involved.

The order affects exporters, foreign governments, and U.S. agencies that buy or license goods.

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