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Open General Licences

Open General Licences are publically downloadable export licences which are issued by the Export Control Organisation. They are intended for the export of less restricted goods which are still subject to export or trade controls. This page links to current versions of all OGLs published and provides details of revoked OGLs.

The Export Control Organisation's system of Open General Licences (OGLs) are at the heart of export and trade controls for so-called "strategic" goods. This includes a wide range of products, technology and software of a military and dual-use (in other words, both civilian and military use).

What are Open General Licences?

OGLs are export licences which are available in the public domain. They remove the need for an exporter to apply for a Standard Invividual Export Licence (also issued by the ECO) for individual consignments. As a result OGLs are of practical relevance and could potentially save you - an exporter - time and money in by allowing for immediate export and planning reliability.

OGLs allow for the export of specified controlled items by any exporter provided the shipment and destinations are eligible.

Use of OGLs comes with certain conditions. Exporters must adhere with all specified conditions, including keeping appropriate records and registering via SPIRE. It is the exporter's responsibility to comply and check the licence requirements before use and to keep updated with any changes.

Exporters using these licences will be subject to regular compliance audits by the Export Control Organisation. 

Where to find out more about OGLs?

You can find out further background details about Open General Licences by reading our guidance for exporters which is published on the export control pages on the Businesslink website.  

Current Open General Licences

Dual-Use Items

European Union General Export Authorisations (EU GEAs) issued by the EU

For more information see guidance onEuropean Union General Export Authorisations (EU GEAs) published on the Businesslink website.

Open General Licences issued by the UK

Military and Dual-Use Goods

Military Goods

Other OGELs

Open General Transhipment and Trade Control Licences 

Revoked Open General Licences (Archive)

You should be aware that from time to time export licences are amended.
The main reasons why licences are amended are because either:

  • the goods and countries to which goods can be exported under these licences change.
  • or due to new embargoes being imposed or sanctions being lifted.

Download a spreadsheet which provides a summary list of revoked open general licences (XLS, 198 Kb) .

If you need to access a revoked Open General Licence then please contact the ECO Business Awareness Unit by email at web.comments@bis.gsi.gov.uk

Can I use an Open General Licence?

Before using an OGL, you need to decide whether you are able to use the licence for your export activities by carefullyreading all the terms and conditions of the OGL.

You might find it helpful to use the OGEL Checker website  (registration required) which is an online tool designed to help you check the terms and conditions of OGLs and whether you might be able to use one for your export purposes. The title of each licence usually gives an indication as to its purpose.

If you are unsure of the "rating" codes referred to in the required OGEL, you are recommended to check the Control Lists or use the Goods Checker website  (registration required).  

Registering for Open General Licences

Exportersmustregister with the ECO before they make use ofmostOGELs and the CGEA. You can register via the ECO's export licensing database, called SPIRE.

NOTE:There are a few Open General Transhipment Licences for which registration is not required.

All shipments exported using OGLs do not require the physical presentation of the licence document to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC). However exporters must state the exact licence name IN FULL on any accompanying commercial documentation.  

Amendments to Open General Licences

You should be aware that there are frequent updates to licences. Notifications of any amendments to OGLs can be found in the ECO's Notices to Exporters. If you are registered for OGLs you are recommended to sign up to receive the ECO's notices via email. Find out how to subscribe to the ECO "Notices to Exporters" mailing list.

All Open General Licences remain in force until they are revoked.  

Export Control Organisation

Updated: 22 May 2012

Export Control pages on Businesslink

Access guidance and information on export control issues on the Export Control pages on the Businesslink website.

Contact the Export Control Organisation

See the Contact the Export Control Organisation page for further contact details.

Minister responsible

Mark Prisk is the minister responsible for this policy area.


 

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