Spain Prepares New Arms Export Regulations: Faster Process with Strict Control. The Ministry of Economy is launching a reform of the rules for exporting weapons and dual-use technologies. Authorities promise to speed up licensing while maintaining strict oversight. The new regulations are expected to come into force in 2027.
The Spanish authorities have announced the start of a major reform of the rules for the export of arms and dual-use products. On Monday in Madrid, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprises presented the key directions of the future regulation, which is set to replace the outdated standards in force since 2014. Nearly a thousand representatives of defense companies, industry associations, and law firms registered for the event—interest in the topic is driven both by increased military budgets and changes in the global market.
Secretary of Trade Amparo López Senovilla and deputy head of the Department for International Trade in Defense Materials Rafael Coloma emphasized that Spain is among the world’s top ten arms exporters, with export volumes reaching 3.5 billion euros in 2024. However, the current regulations no longer meet new challenges—due both to the rise in the number of conflicts and technological changes, including the spread of drones, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.
The authorities plan not only to accelerate and simplify the licensing process, but also to maintain strict control mechanisms. The new regulation will not affect fundamental laws and international commitments, including the arms embargo on supplies to Israel introduced in 2025. The main goal is to facilitate the movement of products within the EU and the European Economic Area to support the development of the European defense industry, while at the same time concentrating resources on monitoring truly high-risk operations.
Key changes include the expanded use of so-called general licenses, which will allow for faster processing of deliveries to EU member state armies, certified companies, temporary exhibitions, repairs, and programs funded by the European Defence Fund. For temporary export of equipment, for example to exhibitions, it will no longer be necessary to go through the same procedures as for exports to conflict zones, though authorities will still check the return of equipment once the license expires.
It is also planned to update the technical list of products subject to licensing, taking into account new technologies, and to clarify the wording to eliminate legal ambiguities. According to the ministry, the number of staff has already increased, the processing of applications has accelerated, an electronic service has been introduced, and a special manual has been created for operators. In 2024, more than 3,000 applications for arms exports, over 500 for other special materials, and about 1,500 for dual-use products were processed.
In the coming weeks, a 15-day public discussion will be launched on the ministry's website, in which not only companies, but also representatives of civil society, including NGOs monitoring arms trade, will be able to participate. After the summer, when the draft of the new regulations is released, a second round of public hearings will begin with the participation of relevant agencies and the State Council. The authorities expect the updated rules to come into force in 2027.
Context: Spain is actively reforming not just the defense sector, but also tightening controls in other sensitive areas. For example, a court case has recently begun in the country over an attack by dogs on a runner in Zamora—more details about this incident can be found in the article on requirements for owners of dangerous animals.
For reference: Spain regulates the export of armaments based on Law 53/2007 and international agreements, including EU Directives and the Arms Trade Treaty. General licenses are a tool that simplifies the movement of products between EU countries without limitations on time or volume, but with subsequent return control. In recent years, the country’s defense industry has shown steady growth, and authorities are working to balance business interests with security requirements.
