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Introduction

An open individual export licence (OIEL), issued by the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU), allows a named exporter to export multiple shipments of specific controlled goods to named destinations. An OIEL is tailored to an exporters specific needs. They are available to exporters who have a track record in applying for export licences, or those who can demonstrate business need.

You will not always need to name the consignee or end-user on your application for an OIEL. A consignee is an entity who first receives the items. The end-user is the entity which uses the items or incorporates them into another product or a higher-level system. You will need appropriate supporting documentation to get a OIEL.

There are no open individual transhipment licences. You cannot import controlled goods into the UK for export elsewhere under an OIEL.

Check if your items are controlled

Check if your items are controlled and find the appropriate control entry using:

• the consolidated list of strategic military and dual-use item that require export authorisation
• the OGEL (open general export licence) and goods checker tools

Check the military and dual-use guides for further information about end-use controls and sanctions.

Check if your items are subject to trade, arms embargoes, and other trade restrictions.

When to use an OIEL

An OIEL might be the right licence for you if:

• you cannot comply with the specified terms and conditions of an OGEL
• you are likely to be exporting similar items regularly to the same customer in the future
• you can submit appropriate supporting documentation such as completed consignee undertaking with your application

OIELs are usually valid for 3 to 5 years. OIELs are restricted to 3 years for exports of military items from Northern Ireland to the EU. This restriction does not apply to exports from Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales).

Temporary licences

You can apply for a temporary OIEL. This is for temporary shipments for demonstration or exhibition purposes.

You must not dispose of goods exported under these conditions whilst abroad. You must return the goods to the UK within 12 months of export.

If the goods are part of a permanent exhibition and the terms of the OIEL do not provide for this you must apply for a standard individual export licence (SIEL).

Types of OIEL

There are 7 OIELs available covering:

• military items
• dual-use items
• dealer-to-dealer firearms
• cryptographic equipment
• offshore installations
• media
• through-life support for military goods

The type of OIEL you apply for depends on the:

• type of export
• destination
• point of export

What you need to apply for an OIEL

To apply for an?OIEL you must:

• have an account on SPIRE, the online export licensing system
• be able to prove business need
• be able to specify the items for export, their quantity, and their destination (consignee or end-user)
• have the appropriate supporting documentation to submit with your application

When applying on for an OIEL on SPIRE you must:

• confirm you have used the OGEL checker to see if an OGEL can be used, and supply a copy of the results
• describe the items in detail, including model or type numbers where appropriate
• specify which industrial or government sectors your goods are for
• confirm the ultimate end-user destination
• supply an estimate of how many times you expect to use the OIEL in the next year

You do not normally have to provide end-user details at the time of an OIEL application. After granting of a licence you must meet end-user undertaking requirements.

You may wish to consider having separate OIELs for EU and non-EU destinations.

Supporting documentation for OIEL applications

Your application on SPIRE must include:

• proof of business need such as a record of at least 5 SIEL applications per year, or a copy of:
  • a contract requiring delivery within less than 20 working days, or unlimited shipments
  • a purchase order
  • an award of tender
• an accurate and correct undertaking form

End-user undertakings

You must complete an end-user undertaking before shipment. You do not normally have to provide end-user details when you apply for an OIEL. Exceptions include nuclear-related trigger list items where maritime anti-piracy trade controls apply.

To meet licence terms and conditions you must:

• get the overseas end-user to complete an OIEL undertaking template before shipment
• ensure the end-user undertaking is valid and not out-of-date when making the shipment
• keep the original OIEL undertaking form for compliance audits

Applying for an OIEL

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