Title: Firms' adoption of robust internal compliance programs to navigate global trade in dual-use items

Authors: Val-Thida Ramasoot; Sanong Ekgasit; Tatri Taiphapoon; Jakkrit Thavorn

Addresses: Technopreneurship and Innovation Management, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand ' Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand ' Faculty of Communication Arts, Department of Public Relations, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand ' Department of Organization, Entrepreneurship and Human Resource Management, Thammasat Business School, Thammasat University, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Abstract: Global trade in dual-use items has increasingly widespread used, expanding in goods and technologies with civilian and military applications. An internal compliance program (ICP) is essential for traversing international export control regulation. This study applied a quantitative method to examine factors influencing ICP adoption and its impact on firm performance of ICP. The analysis, from 200 firms, employed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM). The results show that external regulatory frameworks (ERF) had the strongest positive effect on ICP adoption, while supply chain influence (SCI) had a negative influence. The ICP adoption improved compliance and performance. The findings offer policymakers practical guidance for enhancing compliance and operational efficiency.

Keywords: export control; internal compliance program; dual-use items; strategic trade control; corporate governance; regulatory frameworks; supply chain; CSR; ESG; international trade.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTGM.2026.155755

International Journal of Trade and Global Markets, 2026 Vol.22 No.3/4, pp.242 - 251

Received: 28 Oct 2024
Accepted: 01 Aug 2025
Published online: 13 Aug 2026 *

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