New edition of the ML Classification Guide: a turning point for the concept of “specially designed for military use”

The DGA (French Directorate General of Armaments) publishes version 2.0 (October 15, 2025) of the Guide to the Classification of Military Goods and Related Equipment (ML).

This eagerly awaited update marks an important milestone: it now incorporates European guidelines on the concept of “specially designed or modified for military use”—a criterion that is sometimes decisive in determining whether an item is subject to defense export controls.

No more gray areas: the guide now details how to assess the purpose of development, the operational performance sought, the sensitivity of components, and proximity to the civilian market.

In other words, it helps manufacturers answer the crucial question:

“Is my product really designed for military use, or is it simply compatible?”

A must-read guide for anyone working at the intersection of innovation and export control compliance: lien.