Zangger Committee

The Zangger Committee is the predecessor and complementary mechanism of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), established in 1971 and composed of major nuclear material and equipment supplier countries. Its core function is to formulate and update the 'Trigger List', specifying which exports of nuclear materials, equipment, and related technology require safeguards by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Foreign trade practitioners involved in the export of nuclear dual-use items, nuclear equipment, or related technology must check the Zangger Committee list to determine whether an export license is required or international non-proliferation obligations must be observed. Unlike export control mechanisms such as the Wassenaar Arrangement, the Zangger Committee specifically targets the nuclear field, and its list is legally binding (implemented through national legislation). Note: Enterprises must not export listed items to countries that have not accepted IAEA safeguards; violations may result in criminal penalties and international trade sanctions. The difference from the NSG is that the Zangger Committee focuses more on the technical definition of the Trigger List, while the NSG covers a broader range of nuclear-related items and coordinates export policies.