In February 2020, the UK Department for International Trade: Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) released notices to exporters as part of an ongoing review of open general licenses and electronic standard individual export licenses (SIELs).
Amends have been made to the inspection procedures and the list of permitted destinations for open general export licenses (OGELs).
Changes to the inspection procedures
In Article 31 of the Export Control Order 2008, in states that inspection can take place ‘at any reasonable hour’. However, after experiencing difficulties in trying to arrange these on-site inspections, the ECJU will now inform businesses of the exact date when an inspection will take place. No alternative dates will be offered and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will be informed if you fail to comply with this procedure – as it is a breach of an order. This notice was published on 6 February 2020 and had an immediate effect.
Changes to the list of permitted destinations
On 18 February 2020, the ECJU announced its alterations to the list of permitted destinations for OGELs. The following countries in the Middle East have been removed:
- Lebanon – on two OGELs
- Turkey – on the military components OGEL
- Yemen – on several dual-use OGELs
The Italian Continental Shelf has been added as a permitted destination on two OGELs.
In addition, it is once again possible to register for the OGEL for exports in support of joint strike fighter (F-35 Lightning II).
Until further notice, it will not be possible to register for OGEL for military goods: A400M collaborative programme, a new version of this license has been published.
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