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Export Controls not administered by Export Control Organisation

Individuals and companies might require an export licence if they are planning to export a wide variety of goods such as antiques, medicines, plants, wildflowers, controlled drugs and much more.

If your sector or area of business is not listed, you can check advice provided on the Business Link website.  

For exports subject to control under other UK legislation which are not covered by the ECO's remit, please contact the relevant government departments and agencies as outlined below:

Antiques and works of art

• The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) which forms part of the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) is responsible for export licences for cultural goods
• The MLA is responsible for an Open General Export Licence for the export of cultural goods. This covers some firearms, arms and armour. See information on the OGEL (Objects of Cultural Interest)
• For more information:
  • MLA web site (external site)
    

Certain chemicals (mainly pesticides)

• The Health and Safety Executive is the UK's national authority responsible for export controls of dangerous chemicals
• There are various requirements including the need for a Prior Informed Consent (PIC) before exportation.
• For more information:
  • HSE web site (external site)
    

Food, Animals and Animal Products (including endangered animals and wildlife), Plants, Seeds and Plant Products , Horticulture, Organic Products

• The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is concerned with exports in relation to areas of animal health and welfare and the environment.
• For more information:
  • DEFRA web site (external site)
  • Foods Standards Agency web site (external site providing details of exporting foods to the US and EU)
  • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species web site (external site)

Prescription drugs and Medicinal products

• The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on behalf of the Department of Health, issues export certificates for the export of medicines
• For more information:
  • MHRA web site (external site)

Controlled drugs, Precursor chemicals and reagents

• Companies and individuals across the UK need to apply for Home Office licences if they wish to export controlled drugs
• For more information:
  • Home Office/Drugs web site (external site) 
    

Veterinary medicinal products

• For more information:
  • Veterinary Medicines Directorate, on 01932 336 911 or to the Export Certificates Scheme document (No 25) which is published on the Veterinary Medicines Guidance Notes page (external website). 

Vehicles

• If you are taking a vehicle out of the country on a permanent basis you must notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). On a temporary basis you must complete the relevant documentation.
• For more information:
  • Direct Gov web site (external link)

Clothing, Footware and Fashion

• An export licence is required for textiles or garments
  • with military uses (for instance, camouflage garments). These are licensed by the Export Control Organisation
  • if more than 50 years old and worth over £12,000. Licences are issued by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA)
    • For more information: MLA web site (external site)
      

Export Control Organisation

Updated: October 2009