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Information on exporting strategic goods to the Democratic Republic of Congo
An arms embargo is in force on Democratic Republic of Congo. This is both a UN and EU imposed embargo and has been implemented into UK law.
NOTE: This page outlines relevant information about the arms embargo only. See the link to other restrictions for more information about other potential sanctions.
An arms embargo is a ban on the export of "arms and related material" (ie military ammunition, weapons and goods) imposed by either the UN (United Nations), European Union (EU), Organisation on Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
The UK interprets this as covering all goods and items on the UK Military List.
Additionally some goods which are not on the UK Military List might also need an export licence. See more details about the Military End-Use Control.
Exporters can apply for an export control licence for their goods. All applications will be considered by the Government on a case by case basis in line with the provisions of the Consolidated Criteria for UK and EU Arms Exports. See more details about Licence Decision Making.
For more details about applications see the Licences page. All licence applications should be made via the SPIRE website.
Exporters can also make a rating request for clarification on whether their goods are licensable. More information is available about the Rating Enquiry Service.
In applying and using any licence, exporters should be aware of their responsibilities. More information is accessible on the Compliance pages.
Further information is available in the following Notice to Exporters:
Keep updated with the latest changes to Sanctions and Embargoes by Joining the ECO Mailing List.
The UN adopted Resolution 1493 on 28 July 2003. This imposed an arms embargo on Congolese armed groups and militias. This UN arms embargo has subsequently been extended, renewed and modified, specifically by SCR 1596 on 18 April 2005. The embargo covers the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of arms and related material or training assistance to groups operating in the Congo. The current UN resolution is SCR 1807 (March 2008).
To access copies of any relevant UN Resolutions see the:
The European Union originally agreed to impose an arms embargo on the Congo (then Zaire) on 7 April 1993. The EU subsequently adopted Common Position 2002/829/CFSP. This has since been repealed and replaced by Common Position 2005/440/CFSP and Common Position 2007/654/CFSP (which integrated various EU and UN measures) and associated Regulations. The arms embargo has been extended, renewed and modified. Most recently the regulations have been modified in 2008 by Council Common Position 2008/369/CFSP and implemented by Council Regulation (EC) 666/2008 which modifies the scope of the restrictive measures on certain technical assistance.
To access copies of any relevant and latest updates to EU legislation see the:
The relevant statutory instruments implemented in UK law are:
Export Control Order 2008 (SI 2008/3231)
See more information about the Orders made under the Export Control Act.
To access copies of any UK legislation see the:
Burma is also subject to other sanctions including an assets freeze and travel ban on named individuals, suspension of certain aid and development programmes, suspension of high level bilaterateral government visits and ban on import of timber, high value metals and precious stones and ban on investment in these sectors. See further information on financial sanctions on the Democratic Republic of Congo (HM Treasury website) and Congo sanctions information (FCO website).
Export Control Organisation
Created: 6 April 2009
