Export Control Policy and Consultations
Find out more about the policy and background context to the work of the Export Control Organisation including information on the international export control regimes and policy consultations.
The Export Control Organisation is responsible for the development, implementation and interpretation of UK export control and trade control legislation for ‘dual-use’ and military goods.
Export Control legislation is derived from two aspects:
- European Union (EU) law which has direct effect within all EU member states separate legal systems (including the UK) and overrides national law.
- UK national law which is specific to the UK situation.
EU export control legislation which is directly applicable in the UK is the EU Dual-Use Regulation (also known as Council Regulation (EC) No 428/2009) and EU Regulation on Torture (also known as Regulation (EC) No 1236/2005)
The main UK legislation is the Export Control Act 2002 and associated secondary legislation (known as “orders”) – the Export Control Order 2008 and Export of Radioactive Sources (Control) Order 2006.
The Export Control pages on the Businesslink website should be your first reference point for details on:
- Current UK strategic export control legislation
- The Strategic Export Control Lists
- End-Use Controls
- The process of licence decision making
- Current Arms Embargoes and Sanctions
- Licences
The Export Control Organisation pages on the Department for Business website provides background information on:
Export Control Organisation
Updated: March 2010
