Guide
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.
Check if your goods need an export licence before sending them abroad. Apply for a licence if required. Exporting controlled items without a licence can lead to 10 years in prison and unlimited fines.
- Check if your goods are military, dual-use or going to sanctioned countries
- Apply for a Standard Individual Export Licence (SIEL) if needed
- Use Open General Export Licences (OGELs) for low-risk recurring exports
- Processing time for SIEL is typically 16 working days
- Exporting without a licence carries up to 10 years imprisonment
- Fines can be unlimited for criminal offences
- Civil penalties can be up to 3 times the goods' value
- Self-reporting can reduce penalties by 50-70%
- Watch for red flags like unusual shipping requests
- Keep records of all exports for compliance checks
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.