Understanding

What you need to know

The video below has been produced by BIS to aid customer's in understanding how important it is to have the correct export licence (where applicable) for Surplus Military Vehicles and Equipment.

Export Licence Assistant

Guidance for anyone planning to take an ex-military vehicle, trailer or military component from the UK to another country.

Why do I need to think about an export licence?

If you are taking an ex-military vehicle, trailer, engine, gearbox, component or other military-related item out of the UK, you may need an export licence before it leaves the UK.

The fact that a vehicle is old, privately owned, road registered, de-militarised or being exported for civilian use does not automatically mean that export controls no longer apply.

The important question is not simply “Is this vehicle old?” The important question is “Is the item controlled under UK export control legislation, and can I legally export it to this destination?”

What is an export licence?

Think of an export licence as permission from the UK Government to take certain controlled goods from the UK to another country.

Some goods can be exported without an individual application because an Open General Export Licence, known as an OGEL, already covers them. However, an OGEL has conditions. You must check that your vehicle or component, destination and proposed export all fit those conditions.

If no suitable OGEL covers your export, you may need a Standard Individual Export Licence, known as a SIEL.

You should establish the correct licence position before making arrangements to ship, drive or otherwise move the item out of the UK.

Video: Understanding UK Export Controls

This video provides additional guidance to help explain why export controls can apply when goods leave the UK.

The video is provided as supplementary guidance. You should still check the current GOV.UK export control requirements applicable to your particular vehicle, component and destination.

Do not assume that “ex-military” means “uncontrolled”

This is one of the most important points to understand.

UK export controls can apply to military goods and to items specially designed or modified for military use. They can also apply to components and related technology.

Therefore, an ex-MOD vehicle can still require an export licence even though it is now owned by a private individual or company.

The same principle can apply to trailers and component parts. The actual specification, design, modification, control-list classification, destination and circumstances of the export matter.

What types of items should I consider?

Complete military vehicles Examples can include former military trucks, specialist vehicles, fire vehicles, recovery vehicles and other vehicles designed or modified for military use.

Military trailers A trailer should not automatically be treated as an ordinary civilian trailer simply because it has no engine. Its design, intended function and military specification may be relevant.

Vehicle components Components can include engines, transmissions, axles, suspension components, specialist equipment, armour-related components and other parts.

Military equipment fitted to a vehicle Specialist communications equipment, weapon-related equipment, observation equipment or other controlled equipment may have separate export-control implications.

Technical information and technology Export controls can also apply to certain technology, technical information and software associated with controlled military goods.

What should I do before exporting the vehicle?

Identify exactly what you are exporting Record the manufacturer, model, vehicle type, chassis number, year, military specification and any significant modifications.

Identify the destination The destination country matters because different licences can cover different destinations.

Check whether the item is controlled Use the UK Strategic Export Control List and the relevant GOV.UK checker tools.

Check whether an OGEL applies If an appropriate OGEL covers the export, check every condition carefully before relying upon it.

Apply for a SIEL if necessary If no suitable OGEL applies, or you cannot meet its conditions, a SIEL may be required.

OGEL or SIEL?

Question	OGEL	SIEL
Is it an individual licence for your particular shipment?	No	Yes
Can it be used repeatedly?	Yes, subject to its conditions	Normally covers specified goods and destinations
Can you use it for any destination?	No	Only the destination or destinations authorised
Do you have to comply with its conditions?	Yes	Yes
Can you use an OGEL if your export does not meet its conditions?	No	A SIEL may be required

An OGEL is not a general permission to export military goods. You must establish that the particular OGEL covers the goods, destination and circumstances of your export.

Special point for surplus military vehicles

The UK Government has a specific Open General Export Licence covering certain surplus military vehicles previously owned by the Ministry of Defence.

However, you must check the current version of the licence and satisfy its conditions. Do not assume that simply owning an ex-MOD vehicle means that you can export it under this OGEL.

GOV.UK Surplus Military Vehicle OGEL My Surplus Military Vehicle OGEL Guide

What about components and spare parts?

Components require separate consideration.

A component does not necessarily become uncontrolled simply because it has been removed from a military vehicle.

You should establish whether the component is specifically designed or modified for military use and whether it appears within the relevant UK Strategic Export Control List entry.

There is also a specific GOV.UK OGEL concerning certain military components intended for use as parts of equipment previously supplied under licence.

GOV.UK Military Components OGEL

What happens if I export without the correct licence?

Export control legislation is legally enforceable.

GOV.UK states that exporting controlled items without the correct licence is a criminal offence. Enforcement action can include seizure of goods, financial penalties and imprisonment, depending on the circumstances.

This is why you should resolve the export licence position before the vehicle, trailer or component leaves the UK.

Your export licence route

Use the following route to establish what you need.

Do you think an OGEL may cover your vehicle? Use the dedicated surplus military vehicle guidance.

Open OGEL Surplus Military Vehicle Guide

Do you need to make an individual application? Use the SIEL Assistant to work through the information normally required for an individual export licence.

Open SIEL Assistant SIEL Guidance

Useful GOV.UK resources

These are the main official resources you should use when checking the export position.

Military Export Controls UK Strategic Export Controls Strategic Export Control Lists SIEL Guidance Apply to Export Controlled Goods Using SPIRE GOV.UK Export Licence Finder

Quick summary

If you are taking an ex-military vehicle, trailer or component out of the UK, stop and check the export-control position first.

Identify exactly what you have.
Identify where it is going.
Check whether it is controlled.
Check whether a suitable OGEL covers it.
Check every OGEL condition.
If an OGEL does not apply, consider a SIEL.
Do not export until you have established the correct licence position.

The fact that something is old, second-hand, privately owned, road registered or described as “surplus” does not by itself determine whether an export licence is required.

Start your export assessment

If you are exporting a surplus military vehicle, start with the dedicated OGEL guidance. If the OGEL does not cover your circumstances, use the SIEL Assistant to work through an individual application.

OGEL Surplus Military Vehicle Guide SIEL Application Assistant

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