Open general export licences (OGELs)
Source: gov.uk (2025-10-13)

Use an OGEL to export controlled dual-use or military goods, software and technology overseas.

Register for the OGEL for export of all dual-use items to EU member states (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/open-general-export-licence-export-of-dual-use-items-to-eu-member-states).

This collection brings together a full listing of all the open general export licences (OGELs) issued by the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU), part of the Department for Business and Trade.

OGELs are licences with set terms and conditions which you must comply with. They permit the export of controlled goods on the consolidated list of strategic and military items that require export authorisation (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-strategic-export-control-lists-the-consolidated-list-of-strategic-military-and-dual-use-items-that-require-export-authorisation) to named destinations.

Each licence:
- covers a different activity that is controlled
- specifies the items you are allowed to export under that OGEL
- the destinations where items can be sent
You must read the terms and conditions (#terms-conditions) of the OGEL before registering.

Use ECJU’s OGEL and Goods Checker Tools database (https://www.ecochecker.trade.gov.uk/spirefox5live/fox/spire/OGEL_GOODS_CHECKER_LANDING_PAGE/new) to identify and download the OGEL you require and to check the licence terms and conditions.

You can generally start using an OGEL as soon as you have registered.

If you cannot comply with the terms and conditions of an OGEL you must apply for a standard individual export licence (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/standard-individual-export-licences) or open individual export licence (OIEL).

It is a criminal offence to export controlled goods without the correct licence. Penalties vary depending on the nature of the offence.

Apply for an OGEL

You can use SPIRE, the online export licensing system (https://www.spire.trade.gov.uk/spire/fox/espire/LOGIN/login) to apply for all types of export and trade control licences or register to use a Open General Licence (OGL) or a Union General Export Authorisation (GEA).

Read guidance on using SPIRE to apply for an export licence (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spire-online-export-licensing-guidance).

Terms and conditions

All OGEL holders must:
- meet all the specified terms and conditions of the licence being used for a specific export
- keep records as required by the licence
- submit annual reports of your use of the OGEL through SPIRE (https://www.spire.trade.gov.uk/spire/fox/espire/LOGIN/login)
You must state the SPIRE reference on all shipping documentation.

Compliance

You must keep records under Article 29 and Article 30 of the Export Control Order 2008 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2008/3231/contents/made), and under Article 20 of Council Regulation (EC) No 428/2009. (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32009R0428) ECJU have a statutory right to inspect export records to ensure correct use of licences.

See our compliance code of practice (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/compliance-code-of-practice).

Our compliance officers visit companies with export licences. They ensure compliance with export control legislation and licence conditions have been met.

Find out more about compliance visits (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/compliance-visits-explained).

If you receive a compliance warning letter you must comply with any conditions within the timescale in the letter. Otherwise we may revoke your licence.

Serious cases of non-compliance may be prosecuted by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Penalties and fines

Breaching export controls is a criminal offence. Penalties can vary depending on the nature of the offence.

They include:
- revocation of licences
- seizure of goods
- issuing of a compound penalty fine
- imprisonment for up to 10 years
See how to voluntarily report any licensing irregularities to HMRC (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/export-controls-military-goods-software-and-technology#breaches-of-export-control-legislation).

Notices to exporters

Sign up to our notices to exporters email alert service (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/notices-to-exporters) to keep up-to-date with changes to export licences and legislation.