The Licensing Process

Information on the stages you need to be aware of in applying for a licence.

 

STEP 1 - Are my goods controlled?

The Export Control Organisation is concerned with issuing export licences for so called "strategic" goods.

The main types of goods, software and technologies that require a licence are:

  • goods that are used for commercial purposes but that were not originally specially designed for military purposes but have such a high technical specification that they could be used for military purposes (so called "dual-use" goods)
  • military equipment such as arms, ammunition, bombs, tanks, imaging devices, military aircraft and warships. 
  • nuclear-related goods including nuclear materials, nuclear reactors and nuclear processing plant. 
  • chemical weapons precursors, and related equipment and technology, certain micro-organisms, biological equipment and technology.
  • goods for torture and capital punishment.
  • radioactive sources
  • goods used in programmes involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and missiles used for their delivery

The complete list of controlled goods (which fall into one of the above categories) is compiled in the UK's Strategic Export Control List. This is best described as the 'bible' of export control.

Not sure that your goods are controlled?

If you are still not sure if you need an export licence, you can either:

You should also be aware that goods can also be controlled if your goods are being

 

STEP 2 - Are there any controls on the destination of my goods?

You should also be aware that goods are also controlled depending on the destination (either country or end user of the goods).

  • If goods are likely to be sent to an end user where the UK has concerns about the ultimate end use (This is covered under the End Use Controls)
  • If goods are to be exported to destinations that are subject to United Nations or European Union trade sanctions and arms embargoes implemented in the UK. (See the Current Arms Embargoes and Other Restrictions)

If in doubt, submit a rating request (see above).

 

STEP 3 - What type of licence do I need?

The ECO issues various categories of licence which you might be able to use to export your goods. These are:

 

STEP 4 - Register / Apply for a Licence

You will need to register to use OGELs and to apply for other licence types via the SPIRE licensing system.

All licences are assessed against the "Consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria". See Licence Decision Making - The Consolidated Criteria.

When applying for a licence you should be aware of the following information:

NOTE: Do NOT forget that when completing your SPIRE application a valid Traders Unique Registration Number (TURN) number (12 digit numeric number) needs to completed for the Automatic Licence Verification (ALV process which connects SPIRE to HMRC's CHIEF system) to work.

For further information, see:

 

STEP 5 - Supply supporting documentation

In most cases you will need to provide supporting information such as end user certificates or technical specifications to support your licence application. Supporting documentation should be submitted via SPIRE along with the completed licence application details.

For more guidance see:

If you either fail to supply or provide insufficient technical or product information, there is a risk of delays in processing your licence.

You might find it helpful to view the ECO guidance document about Common Pitfalls to Avoid in applying for Licences.

 

STEP 6 - Your licence is issued

Your licence will be issued to you via SPIRE.

It is very important that you check the licence and that you comply with any terms and conditions.

You should note the following licence conditions and changes (which are still valid):

Export licences are NOT transferable. They are not allowed to be altered except by the ECO. Some minor changes are permitted as detailed in:

For more information on Processing Times please see below.

 

STEP 7 - Complete an export declaration

You will need your licence number to complete a Customs declaration notice.

If you are using an Open General Licence (OGL), you will need to quote the full title of the licence on your export documentation.

 

STEP 8 - Be aware of your responsibilities and comply

As the holder of an export licence, you have various responsibilities. You are required by law to:

See more on Compliance and Enforcement.

 

Processing Times

ECO is conscious that exporters require quick, clear licensing decisions to be commercially competitive.

ECO works to the following clearly defined targets in processing licences:

  • Process 70% of SIEL and SITCL applications in 20 working days
  • Process 95% of SIEL and SITCL applications in 60 working days
  • Process 90% of non-circulated rating enquiries in 10 days
  • Process 90% of circulated rating enquiries in 20 days
  • Process appeals within 20 working days
  • Process appeals within 60 working days

For more information on ECO's performance see the Performance Reports and Statistics.

Exporters can assist the processing of licences by bearing in mind the following potential reasons for delays:

  • applications incomplete
  • technical or product information is insufficient or not supplied
  • full street address details for consignees are not provided
  • third party clearances have not been sought
  • export involves the release of classified information
  • end user certification has not been provided

 

Export Control Organisation

Updated: August 2008

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