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Obtaining a Trade Sanctions Licence from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT)

Overview

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is responsible for overseeing trade sanctions licensing in the UK. The Secretary of State for International Trade makes decisions on granting or refusing licences, with each application considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure consistency with international law obligations.

Licensing Grounds

Trade sanctions licenses are typically granted for specific activities that align with the goals of the sanctions regime. These include:

• Exporting military goods or technology for support of UN missions (e.g. MINUSCA)
• Exporting lethal and non-lethal military goods or technology for security sector reform (SSR) in the CAR
• Exporting military goods or technology to Chadian or Sudanese forces for use in international patrols
• Exporting non-lethal military goods or technology for humanitarian or protective use
• Exporting small arms and related equipment for use by armed wildlife rangers

UN Security Council Approval

Before a trade sanctions license can be granted, the UK must submit information to the UN Security Council (UNSC) for approval. Confirmation of UNSC approval is required before a licence can be issued.

Important Notes

• A licence should not be assumed to be granted, and activities prohibited by trade sanctions should not be engaged in until a licence has been granted.
• Each application will be considered on its own merits, with the goal of ensuring consistency with international law obligations.