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Export Control Order 2008

This Order is the main Statutory Instrument (S.I.) or secondary legislation resulting from the UK's Export Control Act 2002. It consolidates and updates previous legislation in one legal document and provides details of how the legislation will be applied.

This page outlines:

 

 

What the order covers

This is the main export legislation and covers:

  • controls on export of strategic goods
  • the transfer of technology and the provision of technical assistance
  • controls on trade in military equipment between overseas countries where any part of the activity takes place in the UK
  • controls on trade with embargoed destinations  ie: where an arms embargo has been imposed by the UK following either European Union, or Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) regulations or declarations. (Destinations already subject to a UN binding arms embargo are controlled under the United Nations Act 1946).

Original Order

The text of the original order (external link to OPSI website) is provided:

Export Control Order 2008 (S.I. No 3231):

 

Amendments

This Order consolidates previous controls which are now summarised for historical purposes only (See: List of revoked orders and amendments following introduction of Export Control Order 2008).
You can view a summary of the Current UK Strategic Export Control Legislation.

To keep up to date with legislation and sanctions changes, you can view the ECO's Notices to Exporters. You can keep informed of export control issues by receiving Notices by email. To do so, simply: Join the ECO Mailing List

 

Guidance

More information is available in the following pages:

 

Further information on licensing

If you need further help in deciding if your goods need an export licence, you can either:

If the goods or destinations are controlled then you will need to apply for a licence. All licence applications are made via SPIRE.

You should also be aware of:

  1. The list of countries where an arms embargo is in force. These are liable to change occasionally dependent on international events. For more information view the Current Arms Embargoes and Other Restrictions.
  2. The UK Strategic Export Control Lists which lists goods which are controlled. If your products are listed (ie have a 'rating entry') in the Control Lists then you will need to apply for a licence.

 

Legal Advice

You are advised to obtain your own legal advice where necessary and to ensure that you referring to the latest version of the legislation.

 

 

Export Control Organisation

Updated: 2 April 2009

 

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