The United Kingdom was set to leave the
European Union on 31 January 2020 but through a Withdrawal Agreement, a
transitional period lasting until the 31 December 2020 was applied. During this
period EU law still applied to the United Kingdom although it was no longer
represented in the EU institutions, agencies, bodies and offices. Also, during
this time there was no change to the previous import and export licensing
set-up and the provisions that applied to EU Member States kept on applying to
the United Kingdom.
The expiry of the transitional period will
inevitably bring changes, barriers to trade and cross border exchanges.
Notably, in terms of the Importation Control Regulations (SL 117.14), the UK
will fall in the list that applies to third countries, Schedule 2, meaning that
many products which were not subject to licensing when the UK was an EU Member, will now become
licensable. Similarly, all goods under the Exportation Control Regulation (SL
117.02) will also require an export license if exported to the UK. For further
information on the import and export application procedures visit the
respective webpages for imports and exports. The Department is currently accepting
applications that will only become effective on 1st January 2021.
Since from the 1st of January 2021
the UK will become classified as a third county, transactions captured under
the of Military Equipment (Export Control) Regulations, SL365.13, with the UK
as a country of final destination will also become licensable. The application form and other
information are
available online.
With regards to exportation of dual use goods
in terms of SL365.12 Dual-use Items (Export Control) Regulations, the EU has just
adopted an amending regulation including the UK under EU General Export
Authorization EU001. Information about this distinct procedure is found in the dual use page. It will become applicable on 1st
January 2021.
Last updated 18 December 2020