The initial members of the group had different assessments of which chemical precursors should be subject to export control. Later adherents initially had no such controls. Today, members of the group maintain export controls on a uniform list of 87[4]compounds, including several that are not prohibited for export under the Chemical Weapons Convention, but can be used in the manufacture of chemical weapons.[5] Additionally, the Australia Group expanded its standardization of licensing and export controls to cover technology related to the manufacturing of chemical weapons or controlled components.
In 2002, the group took two important steps to strengthen export control. The first was the "no-undercut" requirement, which stated that any member of the group considering making an export to another state that had already been denied an export by any other member of the group must first consult with that member state before approving the export. The second was the "catch-all" provision, which requires member states to halt all exports that could be used by importers in chemical or biological weapons programs, regardless of whether the export is on the group's control lists.[6] Delegations representing the members meet every year in Paris, France.[7]
According to Australia Group website "AG Adherents notify the AG Chair in writing of their political commitment to adhere to the AG Guidelines and Common Control Lists and any subsequent changes. This adherence is unilateral by the non-member country and not subject to any acceptance decision by the AG membership."[8]
As november 2024 the following countries are adherents:
^"Australia Group Chemical Weapons Precursors List". costanziresearch.com. 28 February 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2020. Of these 87 chemicals, 22 are Novichok precursors that were added on February 28, 2020, to complement the recent addition of Novichok agents to CWC Schedule 1
