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Trade Control Licences were initially introduced as a result of the Export Control Act 2002 which made the trading (commonly referred to as trafficking and brokering) of military goods from one overseas destination to another a licensable activity. As of 27 August 2009 and the update and recast of the European Union, Dual-Use Regulation, brokering of dual-use items is also licensable.
View more details about these types of licence:
The Export Control Organisation licences the transfer of Military Goods and Dual-Use Goods, which fall into this trafficking and brokering category, between one overseas destination to another.
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 also 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.
NOTE: Trade Controls apply to both:
View the Trade in Goods (Trafficking and Brokering): Guidance and the Guidance on Brokering (Trade) of Dual-Use Items
There are 3 categories of Trade Control Licence:
An OGTCL allows trade in most activities in respect of military and paramilitary goods on the UK Military List moved to or from specified countries. There are 2 types of OGTCLs - one for Category C Goods and another for Small Arms. These OGTCLs reflect the 3 tiers of trade controls which were introduced as a result of legislation changes on 1 October 2008. The licences are likely to cover about 90% of licensing situations.
Access the Open General Trade Control Licences (Category C Goods and Small Arms)
NOTE: There are no OGTCLs for dual-use goods.
A SITCL is specific to a named trader and covers involvement in the trading (commonly referred to as "trafficking and brokering") of a set quantity of specific goods, ie a one-off deal which specifies where the goods are coming from and where they are going too, between a specified overseas source and overseas destination country with a specified consignor, consignee and end-user.
SITCLs can be applied for in relation to the trading or brokering of dual-use goods.
SITCLs are normally valid for two years. On expiry, either by time or because the activity has taken place, the licence ceases to be valid. A further licence must be applied for if a similar trading arrangement is made.
An OITCL is specific to a named trader and covers involvement in the trading (commonly referred to as "trafficking and brokering") of specific goods between specified overseas sources and overseas destination countries and/or specified consignor(s), consignee(s) and end-user(s).
It is a type of general permit to do things and allows a range of activities, eg sourcing goods from a number of places which then go to a number of other countries. For instance if a UK company that deals in long-range missiles wants to move components from, say the United States, to, say, Germany, it would in this case use an OITCL.
OITCLs are generally valid for two years.
NOTE: There are no OITCLs for dual-use goods.
As with other OGELs, exporters must register with ECO before they use the OGTCL. Registrations should be made via SPIRE system. View information about registering for OGELs and the CGEA.
Applications for OITCL's and SITCL's should be made via the SPIRE online licensing system.
Export Control Organisation
Updated: 27 August 2009
