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 27 July 2008
Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS)
 
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Controlling the UK Export of Goods and Technology

Governments control the export of goods and technology for a variety of reasons. For instance, irresponsible transfers of arms, ammunition and related materiel can contribute to internal repression or regional instability, whilst goods intended for civil purposes can also contribute to the development of weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to deliver them.

If the export from the United Kingdom of particular goods, technology or software is subject to control, then those goods, technology or software may not legally be exported without a licence. A link to the Strategic Export Control List, which contains details of the goods, technology and software that is controlled can be found on the right.

The export of other types of goods and certain activities are subject to control as a result, for instance, of the imposition of European Community or United Nations trade sanctions against particular countries or regions.

Licences to export arms and other goods controlled for strategic reasons are issued by the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) acting through the Export Control Organisation (ECO).

Export Control Organisation

The ECO’s chief task is to process applications for licences to export strategic goods from the UK.

Licences are approved on the advice of the Foreign and Commonwealth office, the Ministry of Defence and, where sustainable development issues are involved, the Department for International Development.

Trade Controls

Trade Controls were introduced as a result of the Export Control Act 2002 which made the trading (commonly referred to as trafficking and brokering) of goods from one overseas destination to another a licensable activity.

If there are more than two countries involved in any transaction, including the export of goods from the UK, exporters should note that a licence may still be needed to move goods between all the countries concerned.

Exporters should remember that just because they have been granted a UK Trade Licence this does not remove the requirement for them to obtain permission of the authorities of the appropriate countries to remove or receive goods from or to that territory as necessary.

For details of what's on the ECO website use the left-hand menu, the most commonly requested links are in the right hand column.

Export Control Organisation

email ECO.Help@berr.gsi.gov.uk

October 2007

UK Export Control: "Promoting global security through strategic export controls, facilitating responsible exports"

© Crown copyright 2008