Political Framework for Arms Exports
The Political Principles of the Federal Government for the Export of Weapons of War and other Military Goods
These principles form the framework for the arms exports licencing policy of the Federal Government. But they are not legally binding.
These principles have been revised three times since 1971. The current version was published in 2019.
Coalition Agreements
In most of the agreements negotiated by the various coalition governments there are some politically binding statements on future arms trade policy.
Declarations of the Federal Government in regard to their arms trade policy
Strategiepapier zur Stärkung der Verteidigungsindustrie in Deutschland, 8.7.2015
Eckpunkte für die Einführung von Post-Shipment-Kontrollen bei deutschen Rüstungsexporten, 8.7.2015
Workings of the Federal Security Council
Since 1969 the Federal Security Council, which reports directly to the Chancellery is the highest political body dealing with licencing of arms exports. These secret meetings are attended by the chancellor and the ministers of defence, interior, economics, economic cooperation and foreign affairs.
Rules of Order of 12. August 2015