Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)

The MTCR was established in 1987 and its membership has now reached 34. The aim of the MTCR was initially to limit nuclear weapons proliferation by controlling the transfer of missile or unmanned vehicle systems which could deliver a 500 kg warhead a distance of 300 km and equipment for their development and production.

Following the Gulf War, the MTCR was broadened in 1992 to cover missile systems capable of carrying smaller payloads (e.g. chemical or biological agents). The control list has now been extended to cover the transfer of equipment capable of delivering a payload of zero mass to a range of at least 300 km. Controls under the MTCR are not intended to hinder co-operation in civil space projects. Hong Kong maintains controls over the transfer of all such equipment and technology which could contribute to a missile system capable of delivering nuclear, chemical or biological weapons.