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Export Control Organisation

Governments control exports and trade for a variety of reasons. In terms of strategic goods, these reasons include :

• concerns about internal repression, regional instability and other human rights violations.
• concerns about the development of Weapons of Mass Destruction.
• foreign policy and international treaty commitments including as a result of the imposition of European Union or United Nations trade sanctions or arms embargoes.
• national and collective security of the UK and its allies.

The Export Control Organisation is responsible for assessing and issuing export licences for specific categories of "controlled" goods. A wide range of items fall under Export Control Legislation including so-called dual-use goods (such as nuclear, chemical or communications goods), torture goods, radioactive sources, as well as military items (such as firearms and ammunition). Other exports are controlled by separate legislation.

If items exported from the United Kingdom are subject to control, then those items will need a licence to be legally exported.

The ECO issues licences for export, transhipment and trade control (trafficking and brokering) purposes. These licences are issued by the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR). Licences are approved on the advice of other government departments including the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence. Penalties - fines and the risk of criminal prosecution - are imposed by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

Exporters are responsible for complying with the law, understanding the regulations and keeping informed and up to date via our Notices to Exporters and training programme.

The ECO engages closely with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that the UK operates a balanced and effective export control system.   

Email: ECO.Help@berr.gsi.gov.uk

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