Guidance: Applying for export licences using SPIRE

Export Control Organisation

September 25

08:15 2024

SPIRE (login required) is the Export Control Joint Units (ECJU) online export licensing system.

Use SPIRE to apply for:

open general export licences (OGELs), trade control licences (OGTCLs), open individual export licences (OIELs), transhipment licences and standard individual export licences (SIELs) that cannot be made on the Apply for a SIEL service
a Ministry of Defence (MOD) Form 680 clearance to release OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE or above equipment or information
private venture security grading
exhibition clearance

Published 9 January 2017
Last updated 25 September 2024 +show all updates

25 September 2024
Overview page updated to better explain which SIELs should be applied for in SPIRE instead of the new Apply for a SIEL service.
18 September 2024
Information about the SPIRE system has been updated to reflect that there is a new DBT service to apply for standard individual export licences.
17 September 2024
Instructions for applying for a standard individual export licence (SIEL) have been updated. There is a new service for applying for SIELs in most instances. The update includes a link to the new service. It also explains which SIEL applications still have to made on SPIRE.
26 April 2021
Added content under 'Registering for an OGEL or an OGTCL' on need to re-register licences if you change premises.
31 December 2020
Amended guidance for exporters using SPIRE to apply for export licences from 1 January 2021.
9 January 2017
First published.