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Guidance notes which explain:
An Open Individual Export Licence (OIEL) is specific to an individual exporter and covers multiple shipments of specific goods to specified destination(s) and/or, in some cases, specified consignees/end-users.
There are no Open Individual Transhipment Licences.
There are five main types of OIELs:
OIELs are a concessionary form of export licensing for exporters with a proven track record of applications for SIELs (i.e., they will have made at least 20 relevant SIEL applications in the previous year), or have a good business case supporting the reasons for requiring an OIEL.
If you already hold an OIEL and submit a similar application to continue your coverage (ie a renewal), we will be looking for at least 20 uses of the OIEL in the previous year before we agree to process the new application.
In the case of dealer-to-dealer OIELs we will expect a usage of 6 times a year.
If you consider that you are eligible for an OIEL and would like to submit an application, please apply via SPIRE (as of September 2007).
You will also need to provide detailed technical specifications describing the items you wish to export.
All open individual export licence applications, including those for temporary exports, need supporting documentation. It can vary between applications and you should look at the separate guidance notes on
Amendments to issued OIELs will be considered in the following circumstances only:
Applications must be made in writing (letters/faxes) and must explain the reason for the request.
A request to extend the validity period of an existing OIEL will only be considered if you have already submitted a new OIEL application for goods/destinations similar to those already covered.
The request should be made with the new OIEL application on SPIRE by completing one of the further information boxes or adding a covering letter to the application. We advise that such requests are made at least eight weeks before the existing licence is due to expire. An extension can be granted for any period of up to six months.
The rejection of an application for an OIEL or revocation of an issued OIEL does not prevent the exporter from applying for a SIEL covering some or all of the same items to any of the destinations concerned. However, the factors that led to the original decision would obviously be taken into account in the decision on any such application. There is no provision in the licensing procedure for appeals against refusal or revocation decisions on OIELs. This is because such decisions do not prevent a company from applying for SIELs.
On 28 September 2000 Council Regulation (EC) No. 1334/2000 (as amended), which replaced an existing system for the control of exports of dual-use goods, came into force. As with the Regulation it replaced, the new Regulation is directly applicable in all Member States, and provides that a licence issued in one Member State shall normally be valid for export from all Member States. No licence is required for most dual-use items to other Member States unless they are for onward consignment to a third country, however Article 21(7) of the above Regulation should be referenced on any exports made.
“Dual-Use Items” means items, including software and technology, which can be used for both civil and military purposes, and shall include all goods which can be used for both non-explosive uses and assisting in any way in the manufacture of nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices.
For more information please see the details of the Export of Goods, Transfer of Technology and Provision of Technical Assistance (Control) Order 2003, as amended.
Exports are not permitted under an OIEL where the exporter has been informed by the authorities, or is otherwise aware or suspects, that the items concerned may be intended to be used, in their entirety or in part, in connection with chemical, biological or nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices, or missiles capable of delivering such weapons.
Exports of dual-use items are not permitted under an OIEL if they are intended for military end use as under Article 4(2) and (3) of Council Regulation (EC) 1334/2000 (as amended). Separate guidance is available on Military End-use Control.
If a licence is granted you will be required to secure a written undertaking from each consignee to whom you export that the items are not intended for re-export to a destination which is not listed as permitted on the licence. This undertaking can be valid for a period of a year.
If a licence is granted, you will be required to maintain records of documents concerning shipments under the OIEL for the duration specified on the licence, and make them available for inspection by BERR officials as required.
If a temporary export licence is granted (eg for demonstration or exhibition purposes) you must return to the UK any goods exported under it within 12 months of their date of export. Monitoring arrangements are in place to verify compliance. If necessary, you may apply in writing (letter/fax) to have this period extended.
You must not dispose of any items exported under a temporary licence while they are abroad. You may, however apply for a licence to permit permanent export of the items. All applications must be made in writing (letters/faxes) and must provide an explanation for the request.
Updated: January 2008
Created: June 2004
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