The EU’s Code of Conduct on Arms Exports was introduced in 1998. Member states retain the power to grant or deny applications for licences to export arms, but the Code lays down criteria, and aims at harmonising practices across the EU. The Code of Conduct has two parts. The first is a series of eight criteria, which constitute grounds for refusing an application to export arms; these include the potential impact on human rights, internal and regional stability and sustainable development. The second is a set of operative provisions for implementing the Code.