29 August 2008
Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS)
 
You are here:
 

SPIRE - An Introduction

SPIRE is the Export Control Organisation’s fully electronic system for processing licence applications. It went live on 3rd September 2007, and replaces all the methods to apply for any of the licences processed by the Export Control Organisation within BERR.

In designing SPIRE, we have looked to address the majority of issues raised to us as ‘areas to improve’ in our current systems and processes.

As a result, SPIRE should feel intuitive to use and have consistent questions across the different applications (wherever possible).  It provides facilities that make applying for licences far more straightforward and will reduce the risk of errors being introduced through the need to transcribe paper forms.  It also means that licences cannot possibly be lost anymore as paper licences will not be issued, only electronic licences.

At the highest level, SPIRE works as follows:

  • Licence applications are made using the SPIRE application accessed via the internet.
  • The application forms have been made easier to complete and more consistent. All information is secured as you move between screens on SPIRE, so you are able to complete an application form over a number of sessions if you need to. You also have the ability to access previous applications and information you may have sent us and use this in new application forms. This should prove very useful to help you complete the forms quickly and efficiently.
  • Once automatically validated by SPIRE, the licence application (and any supporting documentation) will be sent electronically to BERR over a highly secure link.
  • All the processing within BERR and Other Government Departments will be electronic using SPIRE.
  • Paper licences are replaced by digitally signed electronic licences. The master copy of the licence is held at BERR. A copy of the electronic licence will also be held by HMRC (who are also be able to access SPIRE).
  • There is limited application tracking information made available on SPIRE so you can to see, at a very high level, how your application is progressing.

To help answer the many questions we think you may have, we have produced a comprehensive set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about SPIRE. The FAQs will be updated as we are able to provide you with more information.

The links on the right includes guidance on how to register yourself or organisation on SPIRE, how to enable pop-ups so SPIRE can work better for you and how to register of OGLs and the CGEA on SPIRE.

SPIRE Helpline: 020 7215 4594

October 2007

© Crown copyright 2008