BERLIN -- The German Economy Ministry says Chancellor Angela Merkel's Cabinet has agreed upon changes to strengthen and modernize the country's export laws.

One major focus is on so-called dual-use goods -- items that can be used for either civilian or military purposes.

Under the proposed changes, which have to be approved by parliament, all deliberate export of dual-use items for unauthorized use will now be prosecuted criminally where in the past that was only possible under certain conditions.

Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters Wednesday the proposal also calls for increasing penalties for violating the export laws to a maximum of 10 years from the current five.