Key Takeaways
- Most UK imports are covered by the Open General Import Licence (OGIL) — only specific controlled categories need individual licences
- 22 categories of controlled goods require import licences, including drugs, weapons, endangered species, and nuclear materials
- Export controls apply to military goods, dual-use items, and sanctioned destinations
- Import Licensing Branch (ILB) handles most import licences; ECJU handles export licences via SPIRE
- Border Trade Matching Service (replaced Automatic Licence Verification in February 2026) verifies licences at the border
- Processing times vary: 15-40 working days for imports; SIELs take 20-60 days for exports; OGELs are immediate after registration
- Penalties for unlicensed trade include fines, confiscation, and potential imprisonment
Understanding when you need an import or export licence is crucial for UK traders. While the majority of goods move freely across borders, certain categories require specific authorisation. Getting this wrong can result in shipments being seized, fines, and even criminal prosecution.
This guide explains which goods require licences, the different types available, and how to apply through the correct channels.
Import Licences: When Do You Need One?
Import licences are less common than export licences in the UK, but several categories of goods require specific authorisation before they can enter the country.
The Open General Import Licence (OGIL)
The UK operates a two-tier import licensing system. Most goods enter freely under the Open General Import Licence (OGIL). Controlled goods require specific licences issued by the Import Licensing Branch (ILB) of the Department for Business and Trade.
The OGIL came into force on 21 October 2022, replacing the EU-style licensing regime after Brexit, and was updated in April 2025. It applies automatically — you do not need to apply for it or reference it in your customs declarations.
The OGIL covers:
- Consumer goods (clothing, electronics, furniture, toys)
- Industrial machinery and equipment
- Raw materials (metals, plastics, textiles)
- Food and beverages (except those with specific restrictions)
- Vehicles and vehicle parts
- Most chemicals (except controlled precursors and weapons-related substances)
The OGIL does not cover:
- Goods listed in the controlled goods schedule (see below)
- Goods subject to anti-dumping or countervailing duties (separate rules apply)
- Goods under trade sanctions or embargoes
- Goods requiring other government department approvals (e.g., medicines, pesticides)
The OGIL is updated periodically. Check for updates on GOV.UK before importing new product lines.
Controlled Goods Requiring Import Licences
The UK lists 22 categories of controlled goods requiring import licences. Each category has specific licensing requirements and competent authorities. Controlled goods fall outside the OGIL because they pose risks to public health and safety, national security, environmental protection, animal and plant welfare, or international obligations (sanctions, non-proliferation treaties).
1. Excise Goods
Require licences from HMRC, not the Import Licensing Branch:
- Alcohol (beer, wine, spirits)
- Tobacco products
- Fuel duty goods (petrol, diesel, biodiesel)
You must be registered with HMRC as an excise trader. Duty is suspended during transit and becomes payable when goods are released to free circulation.
2. Controlled Drugs
Listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971:
- Cocaine, heroin, morphine
- Cannabis and cannabis resin
- LSD, MDMA (ecstasy), amphetamines
- Certain prescription medications (when imported commercially)
Licences are issued by the Home Office. Import for personal use is not permitted under commercial licences.
3. Drug Precursor Chemicals
Used to manufacture controlled drugs, categorised by risk:
- Category 1: Highest risk (e.g., lysergic acid, P-2-P)
- Category 2a: High risk (e.g., acetic anhydride, ergometrine)
- Category 2b: Medium risk (e.g., piperidine, safrole)
- Category 3: Lower risk but still controlled (e.g., acetone, toluene, sulphuric acid)
- Category 4: Monitoring only (e.g., hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide)
Categories 1, 2a, and 2b require import licences. Categories 3 and 4 require registration and reporting but not licences for most imports.
4. Toxic Chemicals (Chemical Weapons Convention)
Schedule 1 chemicals under the Chemical Weapons Convention are prohibited except for very limited purposes:
- Sarin, soman, tabun (nerve agents)
- Mustard gas (blister agent)
- Ricin (biological toxin)
Licences are issued only for research, medical, or protective purposes. The Department for Business and Trade assesses each application.
5. Endangered Species (CITES)
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) protects listed animals and plants, implemented through the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (COTES) regulations:
- All great apes, elephants, rhinos, tigers
- Many parrots, reptiles, and amphibians
- Certain orchids, cacti, and cycads
- Coral, seahorses, and certain fish species
- Products derived from endangered species (ivory, certain furs, reptile leather goods)
- Timber from restricted tree species
Import permits are issued by APHA. You must prove specimens were legally acquired and that the import will not harm wild populations. Processing takes 15-30 working days.
6. Fishery Products
Certain fishery products require catch certificates to prove they were not caught illegally:
- Tuna, swordfish, and other high-value species
- Products from countries with IUU (illegal, unreported, unregulated) fishing warnings
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) validates catch certificates. Without a valid certificate, the goods cannot be imported.
7. Anti-Personnel Mines
Banned under the Ottawa Treaty. Import is prohibited except for:
- Mines for detection training
- Mines for forensic analysis
- Mines for destruction purposes
Licences are issued by the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU).
8. Explosives and Explosive Precursors
Controlled under the Explosives Regulations 2014:
- Dynamite, TNT, plastic explosives
- Fireworks (commercial quantities)
- Ammunition and propellants
- Precursor chemicals (nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide above certain concentrations)
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) assesses storage and transport arrangements before issuing licences.
9. Firearms
Controlled under the Firearms Act 1968:
- Pistols, rifles, shotguns
- Air weapons above certain power limits
- Certain military-style semi-automatic firearms
- Components and ammunition
- Optical sights and scopes
- Suppressors and sound moderators
Licences are issued by the Home Office. You must hold appropriate firearms certificates in the UK before importing. Applications processed through the Import Licensing Branch typically take 20 working days.
10. Military Goods
Goods specifically designed or modified for military use:
- Military vehicles and aircraft
- Body armour and helmets
- Night vision equipment
- Military communications equipment
- Components specifically designed for military platforms
The ECJU assesses applications against the UK’s strategic export licensing criteria.
11. Nuclear Materials
Controlled under the Nuclear Safeguards Act 2000:
- Uranium (enriched or depleted)
- Plutonium
- Medical radioisotopes
- Nuclear reactor components
Licences are issued through the digital ‘apply for an import licence’ service. The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) assesses security and safeguards arrangements.
12. Offensive Weapons
Items designed to kill or inflict serious injury:
- Knives with concealed blades
- Knuckledusters
- Swordsticks
- Certain martial arts weapons
Import for commercial sale is prohibited. Limited licences are available for museums, theatrical productions, and historical reenactment.
13. Realistic Imitation Firearms (RIFs)
Controlled under the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006. Import is permitted only for:
- Film and television production
- Theatre and historical reenactment
- Airsoft skirmishing (with appropriate membership)
Importers must be registered with the Home Office as approved RIF importers.
14. Torture Equipment
Banned under the Torture (Abolition of Death Penalty and Prohibition of Torture Equipment) Act 1989:
- Electric chairs
- Lethal injection equipment
- Certain restraints designed for prolonged immobilisation
No licences are issued. Import is prohibited.
15. Ozone-Depleting Substances and Hydrofluorocarbons
Controlled under the Montreal Protocol and UK F-Gas regulations:
- CFCs, HCFCs (largely banned)
- Certain HFCs used in refrigeration and air conditioning
Licences are issued by Defra. Import quotas apply.
16. Rough Diamonds (Kimberley Process)
Rough diamonds require Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) certificates. The scheme prevents conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate trade. Applies only to unworked diamonds — cut and polished diamonds are exempt.
Certificates are issued by the Kimberley Process authorities in the country of export. UK importers must register with the ECJU.
17. Steel Products (Safeguards)
Certain steel products are subject to tariff-rate quotas under the UK’s steel safeguards regime. Imports above the quota face additional duties. This is not a licensing requirement but affects import costs. Check the UK Trade Tariff for your commodity code.
18. Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties
Goods subject to anti-dumping or countervailing duties require additional declarations. Common targets include:
- Certain ceramics from China
- Biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia
- Steel products from various countries
Check the UK Trade Tariff for your commodity code.
19. Sanction Goods
Goods subject to UK trade sanctions require licences. Sanctions apply to:
- Specific countries (e.g., Russia, Belarus, Iran, North Korea)
- Specific entities and individuals (listed under UK sanctions regulations)
- Specific goods (e.g., luxury goods to certain countries, dual-use goods to military end-users)
The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) and ECJU administer sanctions.
20. Weapons of Mass Destruction Related Goods
Dual-use goods that could contribute to WMD programmes:
- Certain chemicals and biological agents
- Nuclear-related equipment and technology
- Missile technology
- Certain electronics and computers
Licences are assessed against the UK’s strategic export licensing criteria.
21. Plant and Plant Products (Phytosanitary)
Require phytosanitary certificates and, in some cases, import licences:
- Seeds for planting
- Fresh fruits and vegetables from certain countries
- Wood and wood packaging material
- Certain cut flowers
- Soil and growing medium
Apply via APHA’s Plant Health Service. Many products from the EU now also require phytosanitary certificates post-Brexit. The Border Trade Matching Service (which replaced the Automatic Licence Verification System in February 2026) verifies phytosanitary certificates at the border.
22. Animal Products (Sanitary)
Require health certificates and, in some cases, import licences:
- Live animals (DEFRA licence required)
- Meat and meat products
- Dairy products
- Fish and fishery products (separate from CITES)
- Eggs and egg products
- Animal-derived products (gelatine, collagen, certain medicines)
APHA issues import licences for high-risk products. Post-Brexit, all animal products from the EU now require health certificates and entry through Border Control Posts.
Food products subject to restriction may also require import licences:
- Products of animal origin from high-risk countries
- Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) not approved in the UK
- Novel foods requiring authorisation
Goods That Do NOT Require Import Licences
Most everyday goods entering the UK are covered by the OGIL and do not require individual import licences, including:
- Consumer electronics and appliances
- Clothing and textiles
- Standard industrial machinery
- Vehicles (though type approval may be required)
- Furniture and household goods
- Food and drink (though health certificates may apply)
These goods still require customs declarations and may be subject to import duty and VAT, but no specific import licence is needed.
How to Apply for Import Licences
Step 1: Identify the Correct Licensing Authority
Different goods are licensed by different authorities:
| Goods Category | Licensing Authority |
|---|---|
| Most controlled goods | Import Licensing Branch (ILB) |
| Controlled drugs | Home Office |
| Firearms | Home Office |
| Nuclear materials | Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) |
| Endangered species (CITES) | Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) |
| Excise goods | HMRC |
| Ozone-depleting substances | Defra |
| Military goods | Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) |
Step 2: Check if You Need a Licence
Not all imports within a controlled category require a licence. Check:
- The specific commodity code
- The country of origin
- The end use
- The quantity
Some goods are licensed only above certain thresholds. Some countries are exempt from certain licensing requirements under trade agreements.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
Applications typically require:
- Your EORI number
- Detailed product description
- Commodity code
- Country of origin
- Quantity and value
- End use declaration
- Supporting documents (technical specifications, end-user certificates, etc.)
For nuclear materials, you must also provide security arrangements, safeguards commitments, and transport plans.
Step 4: Submit Through the Digital Service
Most licences are applied for through the GOV.UK digital service. Some categories (controlled drugs, firearms) have separate application processes.
Processing times vary:
| Category | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard controlled goods | 20 working days |
| Nuclear materials | 40 working days |
| CITES permits | 15 working days |
| Controlled drugs | 28 working days |
Step 5: Use the Licence in Your Declaration
Once granted, reference the licence in your customs declaration:
- Box 44 (Documents produced): Enter the licence reference number
- Include a copy of the licence with your customs documentation
The Border Trade Matching Service (which replaced the Automatic Licence Verification System in February 2026) automatically verifies certain licences (phytosanitary, some controlled goods) against HMRC systems.
Export Licences: When Are They Required?
Export licences are more frequently required than import licences, particularly for goods with potential military or security applications.
Categories of Controlled Exports
Military Goods (UK Military List)
All military goods require an export licence, regardless of destination. This includes:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Weapons | Firearms, ammunition, bombs, missiles |
| Vehicles | Tanks, armoured vehicles, military aircraft |
| Electronics | Military communications equipment, radar |
| Software | Military simulation software, technical data |
| Components | Parts specifically designed for military use |
Military goods are controlled even if they are antique, obsolete, or being exported for civilian use.
Dual-Use Goods
Dual-use items are goods, software, and technology that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. These require export licences if exported to certain destinations.
The UK Strategic Export Control Lists organise dual-use goods into ten categories:
| Category | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Nuclear materials | Nuclear reactors, uranium processing equipment |
| 1 | Special materials | Advanced alloys, composite materials |
| 2 | Materials processing | CNC machine tools, advanced manufacturing |
| 3 | Electronics | High-performance integrated circuits |
| 4 | Computers | High-performance computing equipment |
| 5 | Telecommunications | Encryption technology, secure communications |
| 6 | Sensors and lasers | Advanced cameras, optical equipment |
| 7 | Navigation | Inertial navigation systems, GPS jamming equipment |
| 8 | Marine | Underwater vehicles, submarine detection |
| 9 | Aerospace | Aircraft engines, rocket technology, drones |
Technology and Software
Technical data, blueprints, and software relating to controlled goods are themselves controlled. This includes:
- Design drawings for controlled equipment
- Source code for encryption software
- Technical specifications
- Training materials for controlled systems
Sanctions and Embargoes
Even goods not normally controlled may require export licences if destined for:
- Sanctioned countries (currently including Russia, Belarus, Syria, Iran, North Korea)
- Specified entities or individuals on UK sanctions lists
- End-uses connected to weapons of mass destruction programmes
Sanctions regimes change frequently. Always check the current UK sanctions list before exporting.
How to Check If Your Goods Are Controlled
Step 1: Check the Control Lists
The UK Strategic Export Control Lists provide detailed descriptions of controlled items. Match your product’s specifications against these descriptions.
Step 2: Consider End-Use
Even if your goods aren’t listed, you must apply for a licence if you know or suspect they will be:
- Used in weapons of mass destruction programmes
- Used in military programmes in embargoed destinations
- Diverted to sanctioned end-users
Step 3: Use the ECJU Goods Checker
The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) Goods Checker helps determine if your items are controlled. Enter your commodity code or product description for guidance.
Step 4: Check Destination
Some goods are controlled only when exported to specific destinations. The OGEL Checker shows which destinations are covered by Open General Export Licences.
Types of Export Licences
The UK issues several types of export licence, each suited to different circumstances.
Standard Individual Export Licence (SIEL)
Best for: Specific shipments to named consignees
A SIEL authorises a specific quantity of specified goods to a named consignee and end user in a specific destination.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scope | Single consignee, specific goods, set quantity |
| Duration | Typically 2 years from issue |
| Processing time | 20-60 working days |
| Cost | Free |
| Application | Online via SPIRE |
SIELs provide certainty but lack flexibility. Each new consignee requires a new licence.
Open Individual Export Licence (OIEL)
Best for: Regular shipments to multiple destinations
An OIEL covers multiple shipments of specified goods to specified destinations and/or consignees over the licence period.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scope | Multiple consignees, specified goods, unlimited quantity |
| Duration | Typically 1-3 years |
| Processing time | 40-80 working days (more complex assessment) |
| Cost | Free |
| Reporting | Quarterly reports of all shipments required |
OIELs suit businesses with established export relationships to specific countries.
Open General Export Licence (OGEL)
Best for: Low-risk exports to approved destinations
OGELs are pre-published licences covering standard exports to specific destinations. No application required — just register to use the OGEL.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scope | Pre-defined goods to pre-approved destinations |
| Duration | Indefinite (subject to periodic review) |
| Processing time | Immediate after registration |
| Cost | Free |
| Registration | Required before first export |
Common OGELs include:
- Military Goods OGEL: Low-risk military exports to EU and NATO allies
- Dual-Use OGEL: Standard dual-use goods to low-risk destinations
- Cryptographic Development OGEL: Encryption technology for development
- Technology OGEL: Export of technical data for specific purposes
Limitations: OGELs cannot be used for exports to sanctioned destinations or military end-users (with some exceptions).
How to Apply for an Export Licence
All UK export licence applications are processed through the SPIRE online system.
Step 1: Create a SPIRE Account
Register at SPIRE using your Government Gateway credentials. You’ll need:
- Valid email address
- Company registration details
- Business address and contact information
Step 2: Classify Your Goods
Determine which control list entry applies to your goods:
- For dual-use goods: check the UK Dual-Use List (Annex I to Regulation 2021/821)
- For military goods: check the UK Military List
- Record the control list entry code (e.g., 6A002 for certain cameras)
Step 3: Gather Supporting Information
Applications require:
| Information | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Detailed product description | Technical specifications, end use |
| Commodity code | 8-digit UK Trade Tariff code |
| Destination country | Where goods are ultimately going |
| Consignee details | Who will receive the goods |
| End user information | Final recipient and their intended use |
| Value of shipment | For risk assessment |
| Contract or order details | Evidence of genuine trade |
Step 4: Complete the Application
Log into SPIRE and select the appropriate licence type. Complete all required fields accurately. Ambiguous applications are delayed or rejected.
Step 5: Submit and Track
Submit your application and note the reference number. Use SPIRE’s tracking feature to monitor progress. ECJU may request additional information — respond promptly to avoid delays.
Processing Times and Validity
| Licence Type | Processing Time | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|
| SIEL (standard) | 20 working days | 2 years |
| SIEL (complex) | 60+ working days | 2 years |
| OIEL | 40-80 working days | 1-3 years |
| OGEL registration | Immediate | Indefinite (subject to review) |
Factors affecting processing time:
- Destination country risk level
- Nature of goods (military takes longer than dual-use)
- Completeness of application
- End-user identity and credibility
- Current government priorities and sanctions
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Trading controlled goods without a required licence is a criminal offence under the Export Control Act 2002.
Penalties include:
- Unlimited fines (previously capped at £5,000 per offence)
- Confiscation of goods
- Imprisonment for up to 10 years for serious offences
- Revocation of export privileges
- Damage to business reputation and creditworthiness
Civil penalties can also apply for administrative errors even where no criminal intent is proven.
Compliance Best Practices
Implement an Export Control Policy
Documented procedures should cover:
- Who is responsible for export compliance
- How to classify goods against control lists
- Licence application processes
- Record keeping requirements
- Training programmes
Screen Transactions
Before exporting:
- Check if goods are controlled
- Verify destination is not sanctioned
- Confirm end user is not restricted
- Ensure required licence is in place
Maintain Records
Keep for at least 3 years:
- All licence applications and approvals
- Export documentation (invoices, shipping documents)
- Correspondence with ECJU
- End-user undertakings
Stay Updated
Control lists and sanctions change frequently. Subscribe to:
- ECJU email alerts
- UK sanctions updates
- Trade association newsletters
Train Staff
Ensure relevant staff understand:
- What goods are controlled
- When licences are required
- How to apply
- Red flags requiring escalation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Assuming “Low Value” Means “Not Controlled""
The value of goods is irrelevant to control status. A £50 component for a military aircraft requires a licence just as much as a £50,000 system.
2. Exporting “For Repair” Without Licence
Sending controlled goods abroad for repair is still an export requiring a licence.
3. Overlooking Technology Exports
Technical data, software, and knowledge transfers are controlled even without physical goods movement.
4. Ignoring Sanctions Changes
Sanctions regimes can change overnight. A destination that was unrestricted yesterday may be sanctioned today.
5. Inadequate End-User Screening
Failing to verify end-user identity or intended use can result in licences being revoked or penalties for diversion.
6. Assuming OGIL Covers Everything
The Open General Import Licence is broad but not universal. Check the controlled list before importing new product lines.
7. Importing Before the Licence Is Granted
Import licences are not backdated. If goods arrive before the licence is issued, they can be seized at the border.
8. Using Expired Import Licences
Import licences have validity periods (typically 12-24 months). Check the expiry date before each shipment.
9. Incorrect Commodity Codes on Import Licences
The licence is tied to specific commodity codes. If your code is wrong, the licence does not cover your goods.
10. Ignoring Import Licence End-Use Conditions
Some import licences are granted for specific end uses only. Using the goods for a different purpose breaches the licence.
11. Not Keeping Import Licence Records
You must keep copies of import licences for at least four years. HMRC can request them during compliance audits.
12. Overlooking Post-Brexit Import Licensing Changes
Some licences that were automatic under EU rules now require UK applications. Check current requirements before importing.
When to Seek Professional Help
Consider engaging a customs broker or export control consultant when:
- Products have complex technical specifications
- Destination country is high-risk or sanctioned
- First-time exporter to unfamiliar markets
- Facing an ECJU compliance audit
- Goods classification is unclear
- OIEL or OGEL suitability is uncertain
Professional guidance can prevent costly mistakes and expedite licence applications.
Resources and Contacts
Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU)
- Website: gov.uk/guidance/export-controls
- SPIRE: spire.trade.gov.uk
- Helpline: 020 7215 4594
- Email: exportcontrol.help@trade.gov.uk
Department for International Trade
- Import Licensing Branch: 01642 369 400
- CITES enquiries: APHA CITES team
HMRC
- Customs enquiries: 0300 200 3700
Conclusion
Most UK imports are covered by the OGIL and most exports require no licence either. However, if you deal in any of the 22 controlled import categories, military goods, dual-use technology, sanctioned destinations, or goods with potential WMD applications, compliance with licensing regulations is mandatory.
The key is proper classification of goods, understanding your destination markets, and applying for appropriate licences before goods move. The penalties for getting this wrong far outweigh the effort of compliance.
For complex situations, engage professional advice. For straightforward queries, the ECJU Goods Checker and SPIRE system provide accessible guidance.
Remember: when in doubt, apply for a licence. Better to seek unnecessary authorisation than face penalties for unlicensed exports.
Last updated: April 2026
For current licence requirements, always check GOV.UK export controls guidance