France: the 2024 report highlights a sharp increase in dual-use export licenses

In September, 2025, the French Parliament received the 2024 report on dual-use goods exports, a key document outlining national export control trends. The report reveals a 41% increase in the total value of individual export licenses compared to 2023, confirming a significant rise in authorized exports within several strategic sectors.

This increase is largely driven by three industries: nuclear energy, aeronautics, and space. These sectors involve technologies that require strict export licensing due to their potential dual-use nature, combining civilian and military applications.

In 2024, license applications were reviewed by the General Secretariat for Defense and National Security (SGDSN). Out of all applications assessed, 128 were rejected, reflecting the continued scrutiny applied by French authorities when evaluating destination risks, end users and declared end uses.

One of the most striking findings concerns Russia. Despite ongoing sanctions, the value of export licenses granted to Russia more than tripled between 2023 and 2024. According to the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, this increase is exclusively linked to civilian nuclear projects, which remain outside the scope of current European sanctions. This situation illustrates the complexity of export control regimes, where certain civilian strategic activities may still be authorized under strict conditions.

By contrast, licenses granted for exports to Israel fell by 60% compared to 2023. This decline reflects a broader European trend toward heightened political and regulatory scrutiny. On September 2, Belgium announced its intention to restrict dual-use exports to Israel for military end users, further reinforcing this shift.

For French exporters, these developments highlight the growing importance of robust export compliance frameworks. Clearly distinguishing civilian from military end uses, maintaining comprehensive documentation, and ensuring full traceability are becoming essential to managing regulatory risk. The 2024 report confirms that dual-use export controls remain closely tied to geopolitical dynamics, making them a long-term strategic issue for internationally active companies.