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Trade Sanctions Licensing: A Guide to Exporting Goods Under Strict Regulations

The UK government has implemented strict trade sanctions regulations to prevent the proliferation of military goods and technology. However, some exceptions may be granted for specific activities that align with international law obligations.

Who is Responsible for Trade Sanctions Licensing?

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is responsible for administering trade sanctions licensing, with the Secretary of State for International Trade making final decisions on granting or refusing licenses. The Export Control Joint Unit sits within DBT and reviews applications on a case-by-case basis to determine whether granting a license would be consistent with the stated purposes of the sanctions regime.

Activities Exempt from Trade Sanctions

For certain prohibitions, there are specific activities that may be considered exempt from trade sanctions. These include:

  • Exporting military goods or technology intended solely for support of, or use by, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA) and European Union training mission in the Central African Republic (CAR).
  • Supplying lethal and non-lethal military goods or technology to CAR security forces for Security Sector Reform (SSR) purposes.
  • Exporting military goods or technology to Chadian or Sudanese forces solely for their use in international patrols along the tripartite force’s common border areas with MINUSCA.

Applying for a Trade Sanctions License

Applicants seeking a trade sanctions license must demonstrate that their proposed activity falls within one of these specific descriptions and explain why they believe it is consistent with the aims of the sanctions regime. The Secretary of State will consider each application on a case-by-case basis, taking into account advice from other government departments and international law obligations.

Important Notes

  • Applicants should not assume a license will be granted and must not engage in any activities prohibited by trade sanctions until their license has been approved.
  • For more information on licence applications and the relevant form, visit OFSI’s GOV.UK licensing webpage.