If the University's internal due diligence has determined that an activity may require an Export Control licence under UK Export Control legislation, Research & Innovation and the relevant School will work with the principal investigator to complete the licence application.
Please do not apply for an Export Control licence without consulting Research and Innovation or your Head of School for guidance. Export Control licence applications are currently submitted by the University on behalf of researchers.
- Export Control licence application process
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Export licence applications are submitted to the UK Government Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) via the LITE portal. Most applications are for a Standard Individual Export Licence (SIEL), which authorises the export of a specific controlled technology to a single named end-user in a specific destination and remains valid for up to two years.
Licence applications are completed collaboratively between the principal investigator and Research & Innovation, all details are confirmed with the principal investigator before submission by Research & Innovation.
- Export Control licence supporting documentation
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Overview
An Export Control licence application requires two supporting documents to be provided by the Principal Investigator:
- Technical specification;
- End user undertaking form.
1. Technical Specification
This document provides detailed technical information about the goods/ technology being exported. It helps the ECJU assess whether the items are subject to Export Controls legislation and whether an Export Control licence should be granted. Remember, an 'Export' under the Export Control legislation also includes intangible technology transfers, such as, providing technical know-how and research collaborations.
The technical specification should include:
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- A clear, detailed explanation of what the item/ technology is and how it functions.
- If applicable, part numbers or model names.
- Key specifications (e.g., material composition, dimensions, weight, power requirements).
- How the item/ technology will be used by the end-user.
- Whether it has military, dual-use, or civilian applications.
- Reference to any relevant UK Strategic Export Control List entries.
- Explanation of how the item meets, or does not meet, controlled criteria.
- Datasheets, schematics, technical drawings, or manuals.
For a research collaboration, an overview of the project and who is involved should also be included.
As a starting point for your technical specification you may wish to use our LITE Technical Specification Template. Please note: there is no prescribed format for the technical specification, you must tailor the template to meet the specific needs of your export licence application.
2. End User Undertaking Form
The End-User Undertaking (EUU) Form is a mandatory document required as part of a SIEL application. It verifies the identity of the final recipient of the exported goods and outlines their intended use. This ensures that the items are not diverted for unauthorised or illegal purposes.
The overseas end-user or consignee receiving the items/ technology must complete the form. They must also supply a covering letter. This must be on the original official headed paper of the overseas institution. Please note it is important to ensure the Form is checked and approved by the Research and Innovation before it is issued to the end user for signature.
- Export Control licence - anticipated timescale
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The ECJU aim to provide a decision on 70% of SIEL applications within 20 working days, and on 99% within 60 working days. The processing time starts once the Export Control licence application is submitted. If further supplementary information is requested by the ECJU the processing time will pause until a satisfactory response is received.
Processing licence applications for sanctioned, embargoed or highly sensitive destinations is likely to take significantly longer than the standard 20 working day target.