UK government launches new streamlined service for export licences

The UK government has rolled out an updated service to simplify the application process for businesses seeking a Standard Individual Export Licence (‘SIEL’), ‘to export strategic goods, software or technology’ and manage their applications and licences online.

The new LITE system allows applicants to: edit or check an application and view existing SIELs; apply for temporary SIELs with multiple end-users; apply for transhipment SIELs; and apply for SIELs related to ‘Category 0 goods, software, and technology.’

It also permits applications to export goods and provide associated services to sanctioned countries, including Belarus, Iran, Iraq, Venezuela, Burma, North Korea and Russia, among others, the government said.

Companies offering standalone services such as professional or business-related services to these sanctioned countries are required to apply for a licence to provide ‘sanctioned trade services.’

To use the new system, businesses must ensure they have a user account linked to their organisation. For organisations with existing accounts, new users can be added by colleagues through the system’s ‘manage your organisation and personal details’ link.