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Guidance: Standard individual export licences (SIELs)

Export Control Organisation

September 17
08:30 2024

Introduction

A?standard individual export licence (SIEL), issued by the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU), permits the export of certain strategic controlled items.

A SIEL is specific to an exporter and allows shipments of a stated quantity of specified items to a named consignee or end-user. A consignee is an entity who first receives the items. The end-user is the entity who uses the items or incorporates them into another product. You will need appropriate supporting documentation to get a SIEL.

Other potential entities in an export

A third party is any other entity or individual associated with the export, including agents and parent companies. This usually excludes freight forwarders.

An ultimate end-user is the entity that uses the final product which the exported goods are installed or incorporated into. The end-user and ultimate end-user may be different entities.

Check if your items are controlled

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

You may need a licence under end-use controls or if your export is subject to trade sanctions or embargoes even if your items are not described by the consolidated list.

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

Check if your export is subject to trade sanctions, arms embargoes, and other trade restrictions.

When to use a SIEL

A SIEL might be the right licence for you if:

If you cannot supply supporting documentation ECJU will not be able to grant you a SIEL.

SIELs for permanent exports are generally valid for 2 years or until the quantity specified has been exported, whichever occurs first.

If you are likely to be exporting similar items regularly to the same customer in the future, you should consider an?open individual export?licence?(OIEL).

It is a criminal offence to export controlled goods without the correct licence. Check information on penalties which vary depending on the nature of the offence.

SIELs for temporary exports

You may need a SIEL specifically for temporary export if you are exporting on a temporary basis where the product will be returned to the UK. For example, for an exhibition, demonstration, trial, repair, maintenance or evaluation.

A SIEL for temporary export is generally valid for one year only. The items must be returned to the UK before the licence expires.

An end-user undertaking form is generally not required when applying for a SIEL for temporary export.

What you need to apply for a SIEL

To apply for a? SIEL you must:

  • be able to specify the items for export, their quantity, and their destination (consignee and/or end-user)
  • have the appropriate supporting documentation to submit with your application

If your organisation is based in the UK and is a commercial entity, you will need a:

If you are exporting as a private individual based in the UK, you will need a European Union registration and identification number.

What to include on your application

When applying for a?SIEL, you must ensure that you:

  • describe the items in detail, including model or type numbers where appropriate
  • include the quantity or amount of each type of item
  • include the value of each item or goods in pounds sterling (GBP), even if the value is nominal
  • specify the destination
  • give full details of the end-user and any consignee, ultimate end-users or third parties
  • give details about the end use of each item

Supporting documents for SIEL applications

Your application must include:

  • the unique technical specification of the items
  • an accurate and correct undertaking form, completed and signed by the end-user

When the customer is a foreign government, a copy of the government purchase order or contract may be accepted instead of an undertaking form.

Check additional supporting documentation requirements for SIEL applications when exporting firearms, ammunition and related equipment from Great Britain or Northern Ireland.

End-use undertakings

There are various types of undertaking forms. The one that you need to submit in support of your application, depends on circumstances.

You must complete and submit:

We will accept undertakings with digital/electronic signatures. You must retain the undertaking for your records. We reserve the right to request the original document, if necessary.

Applying for a SIEL

In most cases, you will use our new service to apply for a SIEL to export strategic goods or products. This is on a separate platform to SPIRE. If you have not registered, it will prompt you to create an account.

Once you move to our new system, you will

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