Export Controls & Licensing

ECCN, ECN, ITAR, EAR, OGEL, SPIRE – these licence-related terms might seem overwhelming and complex, but they don’t have to be.

Understanding Export Controls

Export controls are legal regulations that govern the movement of specific goods, technology, and software across borders. These controls help to:

Protect national security
Prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD)
Fulfil international obligations and sanctions
Safeguard human rights

Items subject to export control may include:

Military and dual-use goods
Technology and software with military or security applications
Items related to torture or capital punishment
Nuclear or radioactive materials

At Exporter Services, we guide you through the entire compliance process, helping you avoid penalties and delays.

Types of Export Licences

Depending on your goods, end user, and destination, the right licence is essential. Here’s a summary of the main UK export licences:

Open General Export Licence (OGEL)

A pre-approved licence for low-risk exports to specific destinations.
✅ Quick to register
✅ Subject to conditions and audits

Standard Individual Export Licence (SIEL)

For exporting controlled items to a specific end user and destination.
✅ Requires detailed documentation
✅ Typically processed in 20 working days

Open Individual Export Licence (OIEL)

For businesses with regular shipments to multiple destinations or customers.
✅ Covers multiple shipments
✅ Ideal for ongoing business arrangements

Do You Need a Licence?

Not sure whether your goods require a licence? We can help you determine this with:

Control list classification support
End-user and destination checks
Strategic export advice based on your product and market

You can also use official tools like the Goods Checker or contact us for expert help.

Applying for a Licence

Applying for a licence involves several steps. We simplify the process and handle it on your behalf:

Registration on SPIRE – The UK government’s export licensing system
Document preparation – Product specs, end-user info, technical data
Application submission – SIEL, OIEL, or OGEL applications
Follow-up & management – We monitor and manage responses from ECJU

We ensure your application is accurate and complete to avoid costly delays.

Compliance & Support

Staying compliant is not just about getting a licence—it’s about maintaining best practice across your organisation. We support you with:

Export control audits and policy reviews
Internal training for staff
Recordkeeping and documentation systems
Ongoing compliance support and updates

Whether you’re exporting a single product or managing global supply chains, we help you stay on the right side of the law.

Talk to Our Experts

Need help with export licensing or compliance?

We offer tailored advice, document preparation, and full application handling for UK exporters.

📧 Email: team@exporter-services.co.uk
📞 Phone: 0115 727 0018

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