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 08 August 2007
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The work of ECO

The Export Control Organisation (ECO) is part of the Europe and World Trade Directorate (EWT) which, in turn, is part of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR).  Its chief task is to process applications for licences to export strategic goods from the UK.

Trade Controls
It also oversees what are known as Trade Controls which were introduced as a result of the Export Control Act 2002 which made the trading (commonly referred to as trafficking and brokering) of goods from one overseas destination to another a licensable activity.

ECO licences the transfer of Military 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.

Other tasks
As well as the core job of processing licence applications ECO does the following:

  • provides help for exporters, via a Helpline, a website, a DVD and video, and programmes of seminars and workshops. There are also several industry liaison groups
  • enforces export control compliance with the terms of "open" licences through regular company visits.  Click on the relevant documents in the right hand column.
  • runs a Rating Service which advises exporters on whether or not a licence is required in a particular instance
  • records figures about licensing applications for the Government's annual report on strategic export controls details of which are available on the Foreign Office website  These reports are now also produced quarterly and are available on the ECO website
  • takes part in the work of the international arms control regimes, updates the control lists, develops new "open general" licences and contributes to government export licensing policy
  • works with other government departments on counter-proliferation activities
  • takes part in in FCO-led international outreach work to promote good export licensing practice in other countries, particularly those which have recently joined the European Union

Click on the links in the right hand column for more information.  The bottom item on the list has details of the new ECO website.

Export Control Organisation
3rd Floor, Kingsgate House
66-74 Victoria Street
London SW1E 6SW

email      eco.help@dti.gsi.gov.uk

UK Export Control: "Promoting global security through strategic export controls, facilitating responsible exports"

© Crown copyright 2007