The first plenary meeting of the Wassenaar Arrangement was held in Vienna in April 1996. In order to ensure that transfers of controlled goods are carried out responsibly, Participating States meet regularly and exchange information that will enhance transparency and lead to informed discussions on sensitive transfers. Items subject to control appear on agreed lists, one detailing dual-use goods and technologies, and the other munitions items. The lists are reviewed regularly to reflect technological developments and the experience gained by Participating States in pursuing the objectives of the Arrangement. Controls are administered on the basis of national discretion.
All measures undertaken are to be in accordance with national policies.
The Arrangement will not impede bona fide civil transactions nor will it interfere with the rights of states to acquire legitimate means with which to defend themselves pursuant to Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. At the Plenary Meeting of December 1996 states shared detailed information on export policies to areas of common concern, including Sudan and Central Africa. At this meeting, they also issued a public statement confirming that no WA participant transfers arms or ammunition to Afghanistan. At their December 1997 session, Wassenaar Plenary representatives continued to review regional concerns. They encouraged regional initiatives on arms control and transparency under consideration by the Organization of American States and by West African States in the context of a proposed Light Weapons Moratorium.