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Guidance on the F680 process and applications.
The F680 Form is the means used by the Government to consider the release of classified information held by defence companies for use in export promotion. It also allows companies to obtain an indication of the Government's view about a subsequent export licence application, which can help direct their marketing efforts.
If an exporter plans to sell, demonstrate, promote or export certain equipment, goods or classified information, then Ministry of Defence (MOD) clearance is needed.
To get the necessary clearance exporters should complete an F680 application. This process applies to MOD agencies and other parts of MOD.
NOTE: If you are going to take equipment or goods to show at an exhibition, they must be unclassified. F680s cannot be issued where it is impossible to tell which countries are going to be in attendance.
An F680 application is not necessary for dual-use goods.
The F680 and export licence applications are entirely separate procedures.
Each are considered on their merits against the Consolidated Criteria (see Licence Decision Making - The Consolidated Criteria) in the light of the information available at the time of application.
Therefore, holding an F680 for the marketing of a product to a specified destination does not guarantee that an export licence will be granted for its subsequent export to that destination.
However, applying for F680 clearance has advantages for companies in that it should give some indication as to whether there are likely to be difficulties in getting an export licence. It could also help speed up the assessment of any subsequent licence application if circumstances are unchanged since the F680 approval.
If the goods are classified, most of the following Military Open General Export Licences (OGELs) are likely to require F680 clearance:
In the case of the following OGEL, an F680 is required for ALL exports, not just classified items:
The F680 system is run by MOD’s Export Policy and Assurance (EPA) team (formerly the Directorate of Export Services Policy or DESP).
Once an application is received it is circulated to specialist advisors within the MOD, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development for comment. MOD aim to respond to an application within 30 days of receiving it.
All applications for F680 clearance should be made via SPIRE as of 18 May 2009.
Companies are able to apply for Form 680 clearance in the same way as applying for an export licence with an option to access an online F680 application form. This form replicates the information needed in the old form.
Remember if you are a new applicant you should register your company on SPIRE. Select the link for ‘Registering Your Company’ on SPIRE, which provides details on how to register.
A Notice to Exporters was issued on 21 April 2009 to explain more about the transferral of F680 forms applications to SPIRE. See Notice to Exporters 2009/08. A further notice was issued on the 20 May 2009 once the form was available to all users. See Notice to Exporters 2009/11.
Guidance (including screenshots) on making an F680 application are available on the SPIRE website.
Remember F680 applications are dealt with by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and NOT the Export Control Organisation.
For problems with MOD Form 680 applications contact the desk officer in Export Policy and Assurance (formerly DESP) who normally deals with your company’s F680 applications.
If you are unable to contact your desk officer or are a new user you can contact EPA as follows:
E-mail: newf680@desp.mod.uk
Telephone: 020 7305 2521/2518/2519
Export Control Organisation
Updated: 20 May 2009
