On 16 October 2020, the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) published Notice to Exporters 2020/14 to remind relevant exporters to sign up for the EU dual-use open general export licence (OGEL) before the end of the Brexit Transition Period.

This OGEL will be required to export dual-use items from the UK to any EU Member State and the Channel Islands from 1 January 2021. It is not required to export dual-use items to the EU during the Transition Period itself.

This reminder notice follows the publication of Notice to exporters 2020/03 on 29 January 2020, which contains information about how exporters can register for the OGEL. Exporters should check if they need to sign up for the OGEL and then register on SPIRE. Note that there are terms and conditions to use and exporters will be audited on its use. From 1 January 2021, controlled goods exported from the UK to the EU without this licence may be intercepted by HM Revenue & Customs and may amount to an offence.