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Open General Export Licences (OGELs)

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What are OGLs?

Open General Export Licences (OGLs) are licences which are available in the public domain. OGLs remove the need for an exporter to apply for an individual licence (but you must register for use).

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

Exporters must also adhere with the specified conditions and keep appropriate records. It is the exporter's responsibility to comply and check on the licence requirements before use and to keep updated with any changes.

Exporters using these licences will also be subject to regular Compliance visits.

 

The range of OGLs

 

Want quick and easy access to all OGL documents directly? The Publications area provides a full list of OGLs.

 

There are a wide variety of OGLs - 39 in total - which are categorized as follows:

  • Dual-Use OGELs
  • Dual Use items are goods and technology with both military and civilian applications. 

 

 

 

  • Transhipment OGELs
  • This category allows, subject to certain conditions, controlled goods to be exported from one country to another via the UK.

 

  • Other OGELs
  • This category includes various OGLs which do not fit neatly into the other categories, including:
    • Radioactive Sources OGEL
    • Sporting Goods OGEL
    • Iraq Pre-Export OGEL
    • Sierra Leone OGL to Communicate
    • Open General Trade Control Licence (OGTCL).

 

Which OGL is right for me?

 

You need to decide whether the licence is applicable depending on the type of goods and destination of exports and the conditions contained in the licence.

The title of each licence usually gives an indication as to its purpose.

Read the detail of the relevant licence carefully and double check the 'rating' codes referred to in the required OGEL.

 

OGL Format and Details

 

Each licence is written in a certain legal format comprising several key parts, including:

  1. Terms and Conditions of Licence
  2. Schedules - comprising
    • List of items permitted for export with a specific licence
    • List of destinations eligible or ineligible for export
  3. Explanatory Notes 

REMEMBER you need to read, understand and adhere to all the specific schedules, terms and conditions and other details of the licence.

 

Useful Advice and Systems

 

If you are unsure of the item 'rating' codes referred to in a specific OGEL, you can either:

  • check the relevant (Dual-Use or Military) Control Lists

  • use the Rating Checker tools:
    • Goods Checker - This tool helps you to identify whether your product is listed in either the Military or Dual-Use Control Lists.
    • OGEL Checker - This tool helps you to identify an appropriate OGEL. By using the tool you can check on the terms and conditions and whether you can meet all of these criteria.  
  • alternatively you can make a ratings request via SPIRE. Find out more about making a rating request.

You might also find it helpful to view the Frequently Asked Questions about OGELs or take a look at the Common Pitfalls to avoid when applying for licences.

 

Registering for OGLs

 

Exporters must register with the Export Control Organisation before they make use of most OGELs and the CGEA. You can register via the SPIRE website.

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

Find out more details about registering for OGELS and CGEAs.

 

Using OGLs

 

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.

 

Penalties

 

Exporters should be aware that there are legal penalties for exporting controlled goods without a licence. More details can be found on the HMRC website.

All exporters should be aware of the Secretary of State's power to suspend and revoke licences OGLs. The attached notice (along with the associated guidance note) explains the circumstances when open general licences (OGLs) may be suspended or revoked.

 

Amendments to Licences

 

You should be aware that there are frequent updates to licences.

Notifications of any amendments to OGLs can be found in the Notices to Exporters. If you want to receive notices via email you can choose to join the ECO mailing list.

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

 

Archived OGLs

 

You must adhere to the conditions of the licence which is in place at the time of the export. All OGLs remain in force until they are revoked, although their provisions may be varied at any time. 

For information purposes only you can view a list of Revoked OGLs (Archive). Note that these licences are no longer in force.


Export Control Organisation

Updated: 2 April 2009

 

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