The Government takes its export control responsibilities extremely seriously and operates one of the most robust export control regimes in the world. Export controls are kept under constant review to ensure their maximum effectiveness. 

On 8 December 2021, the then Secretary of State for International Trade laid before Parliament a revised version of the licensing criteria, replacing the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria 2014, known as the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. The updated Criteria further strengthens the robustness of the Government's export control regime.

As before, all export licence applications are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Criteria, based on the most up-to-date information and analysis available, including advice received from the FCDO, MOD, and other government departments and agencies as appropriate.

The Government will not grant any export licence if to do so would be inconsistent with the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. This includes where there is a clear risk that goods may be used to commit or facilitate internal repression; or if they would contribute to the undermining of peace and security, internal or otherwise. Nor are licenses granted if to do so would be inconsistent with any of the UK's relevant international treaty obligations or UN sanctions. Full detail on the Criteria can be found here: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/20…

The Government has responded to the report of the Committees on Arms Export Controls (CAEC). The paper is a joint response from the then Secretaries of State for International Trade, Defence and for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, including contributions from His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. This can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/caec-report-on-uk-strategic-…;