What does the term 'dual use' refer to in commodities?

The term 'dual use' in the context of commodities refers to items that can serve both military and civilian applications. This classification indicates that certain products or technologies may be used for legitimate civilian purposes—such as in industries like healthcare, construction, or information technology—while also having the potential to be utilized for military purposes, such as weapon manufacturing or defense applications.

Understanding dual-use commodities is crucial for regulatory frameworks, as they highlight the need for strict controls to prevent misuse of civilian technologies for military aggression or conflict. The differentiation allows authorities to monitor and manage exports or use of these items effectively, ensuring they are not diverted for unintended military use.

In contrast, choices that focus solely on civilian or military applications would not capture the essence of dual-use, which inherently blends both uses. Non-commercial items do not fit this definition as they typically are not produced for market sale; rather, dual-use refers to commercially available items that have broader implications.