A search tool to help exporters find out whether they can use an Open General Export Licence when exporting their goods, software or technology.

What it's about

OGEL Checker is a web-based search tool to help exporters decide whether their goods, software or technology can be exported using an Open General Export Licence (OGEL). After selecting the control list reference (often called the rating) of the goods and the destination country a list of possible OGELs that could be used is offered. The exporter is then guided through all the conditions of any selected OGEL to help them decide if that OGEL can be used.

What are OGELs?

If items are controlled then a licence is required for their export from the UK . Exporters apply for a Standard Individual Export Licence (SIEL) to obtain an authorisation to ship specific quantities of items to a specific end user. There are however a range of OGELs that should be used for many transfers, if all of the conditions on a relevant OGEL can be met. There is another form of licence, the Open Individual Export Licence (OIEL). Exporters can apply for an OIEL, when for example they wish to ship larger quantities of items to more than one customer. If OGEL Checker advises that a SIEL is required users should always check to see if their company already holds an OIEL that can be used for their proposed transfer.

Why do I need to use OGEL Checker?

Each OGEL has a number of conditions that must be satisfied if the eligible item is to be exported to the eligible destination. In the first instance OGEL Checker searches all OGELs to see if there are any that are available for the rating and country combination you have chosen.

The list of possible OGELs is presented on screen and may be printed out. Any relevant OGEL can be selected and OGEL Checker will take the user through all of the conditions and ask questions that require a YES or NO answer. If after answering all the questions in such a manner that all the conditions can be met, the tool advises users that it appears that the OGEL can be used. Users are advised to double check by reading and becoming familiar with the official version of the OGEL, which can be found on the ECO website by using the link provided.

How to use OGEL Checker

Exporters must first ascertain the rating(s) of their goods, software or technology. The rating, which is the control list entry reference, can be found by using Goods Checker. Note that if you cannot find your items on Goods Checker it does not mean they are not controlled. The rating may also have been advised by ECO as a result of a rating enquiry.

See How it works and Quick Help for more details on how to use OGEL Checker.

The Checker Tool incorporates the following Military OGELs:

Exports or Transfers in Support of UK Government Defence Contracts

Government or NATO End-Use

Components

Demonstration

Export for Repair/Replacement under Warranty

Export after Repair/Replacement under Warranty

Export after Exhibition or Demonstration

Export for Exhibition

Technology

Access Overseas to Software and Technology: Individual Use Only

UK Forces Deployed in Embargoed Destinations

UK Forces Deployed in Non-Embargoed Destinations

Surplus Vehicles

Historic Goods

Vintage Aircraft

Accompanied Personal Effects: Sporting Firearms

Software and Source Code

The Checker Tool incorporates the following Dual Use OGELs:

Community General Export Authorisation (CGEA)

Export after Repair/Replacement under Warranty

Export for Repair/Replacement under Warranty

Export after Exhibition

Technology

Chemicals

Computers

Cryptographic Development

Oil and Gas Exploration

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Turkey

Low Value Shipments

X

OGEL Checker also identifies those dual use items that require a licence for intra-community transfer between Member States of the European Union, i.e. those items that are listed in Annex IV of EC Regulation 1334/2000.

The Checker Tool incorporates the following OGELs which do not fall under the Dual Use and Military OGEL main headings:

Radioactive Sources

Exports of non-lethal military and dual-use goods: To UK Diplomatic Missions or Consular Posts

Open Transhipment Licences

OGEL Checker cannot be used to establish whether Open Transhipment Licences can be used.

Open Trade Licences

OGEL Checker cannot be used to establish whether Open Trade Licences can be used.