Getting started with import and export UK-wide

Understanding UK export licensing and controls

When you need an export licence, how to apply, and the serious penalties for exporting controlled goods without authorisation.

Guide summary

Check if your goods need an export licence before you send them abroad. You must apply for a Standard Individual Export Licence (SIEL) or register for an Open General Export Licence (OGEL) if your goods are military, dual-use, or going to a sanctioned country. Exporting without a licence is a criminal offence with up to 10 years in prison and unlimited fines. Civil penalties can be up to 3 times the value of the goods.

  • Check if your goods are controlled (military, dual-use, sanctioned)
  • Apply for a SIEL via the LITE system – no fee
  • Register for an OGEL if you export low-risk goods regularly
  • Watch for red flags like suspicious end-use or payment
  • Self-report breaches to get 50-70% penalty reduction
  • Keep export records for at least 4 years for inspections
  • Maximum criminal penalty: 10 years in prison
  • Maximum civil penalty: 3 times the value of the goods (£1.16 million record)
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UK export controls regulate the international transfer of sensitive items that could undermine national security, fuel conflict, support terrorism, enable human rights violations, or contribute to weapons of mass destruction.

Exporting controlled items without the correct licence is a serious criminal offence carrying up to 10 years imprisonment and unlimited fines. Recent enforcement shows million-pound civil penalties are increasingly common.

What items are controlled?

Military goods: Items specially designed or modified for military use (weapons, ammunition, military vehicles, electronics, directed energy weapons)

Dual-use items: Items with both civil and military applications, organized in 10 categories (nuclear materials, special materials/chemicals, materials processing, electronics, computers, telecommunications, sensors/lasers, navigation, marine, aerospace)

Emerging technologies (2025 updates): Advanced semiconductors, quantum computers, additive manufacturing (3D printing)

Catch-all controls: Even if items aren't listed, licences required if you suspect WMD, military end-use, or terrorism concerns

Licence types: SIEL vs OGEL

Standard Individual Export Licence (SIEL): For specific transactions to named recipients. Apply via LITE system (moved to public beta on September 17, 2024) for most cases. Processing typically 16 working days median.

Open General Export Licences (OGELs): Pre-authorised for recurring low-risk exports. Over 60 OGELs available. Just register once via SPIRE, then use for unlimited qualifying exports. Must submit annual returns.

Red flags requiring enhanced scrutiny

Stop and conduct enhanced due diligence if customers show warning signs: reluctance to explain end-use, unfamiliarity with technical details, requests for unusual specifications, willingness to overpay, non-standard shipping requests, or no established business in relevant sector.