What are Export Controls and Export Licences?
A. Export Controls apply to goods upon which the UK government has placed export licensing requirements. Typically export controls relate to goods that may be used in some way or other for military applications, goods of national heritage (e.g. works of art) or certain chemicals used in the production of controlled drugs. If you think your goods may be applied to military purposes you are advised to contact BIS’s Export Controls Organisation (eco.help@bis.gsi.gov.uk ; http://www.bis.gov.uk/europeandtrade/strategic-export-control/index.html (Link to an external site – Disclaimer )). If you think your goods may be of importance to national heritage, you are advised to contact the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (020 7211 6164). For chemicals that are used in the production of drugs contact the Home Office (020 7273 2085/3627). If the above departments consider your products to be sensitive, you will need to apply for an export licence before your can take them out of the UK.
