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Guidance on the Licensing Process

Guidance information is available on the following topics:

• Key Sources
• Types of Export Control Licences
• Applying for a Licence
  • Additional documentation requirements
• I am exporting ....specific controlled goods
• I am exporting.....to a specific destination
• I am exporting...important issues to consider
• Customs Issues

You can keep up to date on all export control issues by joining the ECO mailing list to receive the latest Notices to Exporters.

Key Sources

New to export controls? See the Beginner's Guide to Export Controls

Not sure if you need a licence? Use the Rating Enquiry Service or check the Control Lists.

Make use of our two databases to help you determine:

1. Are your goods controlled? Search the Goods Checker database.
2. Can I register to use a publically available Open General Licence (OGEL)? Search the OGEL Checker database.  

Types of Export Control Licences

The Export Control Organisation issues different categories of export control licence depending on the types of goods and nature of export. All information is available in the Licences section. This includes an outline of relevant terms and conditions and any updates.

• Open General Export Licence (OGEL)
• Standard Individual Export Licence (SIEL)
• Open Individual Export Licence (OIEL)
• Global Project Licence
• Trade Control Licence
• Transhipment Licence

You should be aware that all licence applications and registrations should be made via the SPIRE system.

Applying for a licence

You can avoid some standard mistakes that exporters tend to make when making an export licence application.

• Common Pitfalls to Avoid when applying for licences

Be aware of licence conditions:

• OGL conditions are specific to each individual licence. Please check the conditions carefully.
• Guidance on suspending or revoking a company's ability to use an Open General Licence
• SIELS: Revised Standard Conditions (26 April 2006)
• Changes to OIEL Conditions (February 2008)
• Changes to Licence-Holder's Name and/or Address

Additional documentation requirements

When applying for a licence, exporters should be aware of the requirements to provide additional documentation relating to end-user and consignee undertakings, technical information and in certain cases to complete an MOD F680 Form. Find out more about the specific requirements by accessing the relevant links:

• End User and Consignee Undertakings for SIELs and OIELs
• Technical Information required from Exporters when seeking Advice or Applying for a Licence
• Export Licences, Ministry of Defence F680 Form

I am exporting...specific controlled goods

• Cryptographic items
  • Exporting cryptographic items
• Firearms
  • Guidance on the export of firearms
• Goods in support of UK Government Defence Contracts
  • Export Licences: Changes in Crown Immunity/Export Waivers, UK Government Defence Contracts
• Incorporated goods
  • Export Controls: Incorporating Products into Goods for Onward Export: UK Government’s Licensing Approach, July 2002
• MANPADs
  • Licensing Guidance on MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defence Systems)
• Military Helmets
  • Export Controls: “Military Helmets”: Revision of Rating Procedures
• Nuclear equipment
  • Export of nuclear equipment, material and technology: guidance on the "trigger list" requirements
• Radioactive Sources
  • Radioactive Sources: Guidance, October 2007
• Technology
  • Export Controls: Export of Technology Guidance Note
  • Temporary Export of Technology by Laptop, Relaxation of HM Customs’ Requirement
• Torture Goods
  • Implementation of EC "Torture" Regulation in July 2006

I am exporting....to a specific destination

You should be aware of countries subject to current arms embargoes imposed by international organisations such as the United Nations or European Union and implemented in UK law. More details are available under Current Arms Embargoes and Other Restrictions.

I am exporting....important issues to consider 

The key legislation is the Export Control Act 2002. More information is available on What the Export Control Act 2002 means.

Exporters should be aware of controls on:

• Technology - Guidance on Transfer Abroad of Controlled Military Technology and Software by electronic means
• Trade - Trade in Goods (Trafficking and Brokering): Guidance
• End Use - WMD and Military End Use Controls

Specific guidance is also available on the:

• Impact on Exhibitions in the UK and Overseas
• Impact on Academics and Researchers in the UK

Customs issues

• Details of the SPIRE / HMRC link and implications for exporters - NTE200808 and NTE200810
• Effect of SAD Harmonisation on strategic export licence declarations and new requirement relating to ‘innocent goods’
• Updated EU Correlation Table of Dual-Use and Customs Taric Codes published, 12 April 2006
• What to do if you have breached export controls?

Does this page include the information that you were looking for?

If you have any suggestions for additional information that should be included, please contact: web.comments@berr.gsi.gov.uk

Export Control Organisation

Updated: May 2008

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