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The Control Lists are the primary reference documents which specify what goods need a strategic export control licence.
This section outlines and provides access to the Control Lists including details on:
There are two lists on this website:
The listing of so-called dual-use goods (ie items designed for civilian purpose but which also potentially have a military application), torture goods, radioactive sources.
The listing of controlled goods which have been specially designed or modified for military use. It covers military, security and paramilitary goods, software and technology, arms, ammunition and related material.
The lists are periodically updated as technology advances and new products are developed. You can keep updated by checking the Notices to Exporters.
Recent amendments have been announced in the following Notices:
The lists form the detailed basis of the legislation. At a practical level, exporters should consult the lists to determine if their goods need a licence.
You can either rate or classify the goods yourself or seek advice from the ECO (see below).
Find out more about how to self-rate your goods.
Once you know the rating or are confident your goods need an export control licence you can make an application. See which licences might be applicable and then submit your licence application or registration via the SPIRE online system.
The Control Lists are derived from various international commitments - including foreign policy, national defence and security interests.
In particular the Lists are mainly compiled from the work of various international export control and non proliferation regimes.
These are:
One of the role of these bodies is to decide what goods should be controlled to meet their counter proliferation objectives. Subsequently the agreements are incorporated into national country legislation including in the UK.
Read more about the international regimes.
EU and UK export control legislation outline how the Control Lists operate and are implemented. Read more about legislation.
Export Control Organisation
Updated: 5 January 2009
