Notice: Notice to exporters 2026/13: declaring exports under OGELs and GEAs on the UK’s customs declarations system

The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) has announced an upcoming requirement to include licence references within the United Kingdom’s Customs Declarations System. This change marks a significant step in strengthening export controls and ensuring that shipments are properly screened and compliant with current regulations.

What this means for traders
– Licence traceability: Incorporating licence references into customs declarations will create a verifiable audit trail, helping authorities confirm that each export is authorised and permissible under the relevant control regime.
– Compliance hygiene: Requiring licence numbers promotes consistent record-keeping, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties and delays caused by missing or inaccurate documentation.
– Enhanced risk management: With explicit licence references, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and other authorities can more efficiently identify high-risk consignments and perform targeted checks without impeding legitimate trade.

Key aspects to anticipate
– Data fields: The new requirement will involve a dedicated field in the customs declaration for the licence reference(s) associated with the goods being exported. Traders should prepare by gathering the correct licence numbers and ensuring they correspond to the specific export.
– Licence validity: Licences typically have scopes, product classifications, and expiry dates. It will be important to verify that the licence covers the declared goods, their HS classification, and the destination country.
– Systems readiness: Businesses using electronic filing and customs software should monitor updates from HMRC and their software providers to ensure the licence reference data can be captured accurately and transmitted without errors.
– Exceptions and contingencies: There may be scenarios where a licence is not required or where multiple licences apply to a single shipment. Guidance from ECJU and HMRC will clarify how to handle such cases in the declaration.

Practical steps for exporters and freight forwarders
1. Inventory your licences: Maintain an up-to-date record of all export licences applicable to your goods, including licence numbers, validity periods, scope, and any special conditions.
2. Align with product classification: Confirm that the licence references align with the correct export control classification for the goods (often tied to ECCN/UK strategic export controls and dual-use classifications).
3. Coordinate with the supply chain: Ensure that the persons responsible for licensing are looped into the declaration process so the correct licence references are captured before submission.
4. Update internal processes: If you operate a compliance or trade team, update procedures to include a licence reference check as part of the standard export workflow.
5. Test and train: Run through internal mock declarations to test the new field submission, and provide training for your customs team on how to enter and verify licence references.
6. Establish verification mechanisms: Create a process to cross-check licence numbers against official documentation to prevent mismatches and reduce rejections at the border.

Implications for enforcement and timelines
ECJU’s move towards mandatory licence references is intended to enhance transparency and accountability in export controls. While timelines for full rollout and precision of requirements may evolve, it is prudent for traders to start preparing now. Early preparation can minimise disruption, avoid penalties, and support smoother customs processing as the system transition occurs.

Best practices for staying compliant
– Maintain comprehensive licensing records: Digital copies of licences, authorised commodities, and destination approvals should be easily retrievable.
– Implement data governance: Standardise how licence references are entered (format, separators, case) to avoid inconsistencies.
– Engage with advisers: If your business handles complex or dual-use goods, consult with export control specialists to ensure licensing aligns with declarations.
– Monitor official guidance: Regularly review ECJU and HMRC communications for updates, timelines, and clarifications related to the licence reference requirement.

Conclusion
The forthcoming requirement to embed licence references into the UK’s Customs Declarations System represents a meaningful enhancement to export control administration. By proactively aligning licensing processes with declaration practices, businesses can maintain compliance, support efficient border processing, and reduce the risk of disruptions to international trade. Stakeholders should stay alert to ECJU and HMRC guidance, begin consolidating licence data, and adjust internal workflows to ensure a smooth transition when the new field becomes mandatory.

May 13, 2026 at 09:30AM
通知：向出口商的通知 2026/13：在英国海关申报系统下就 OGEL 与 GEAs 申报出口
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-to-exporters-202613-declaring-exports-under-ogels-and-geas-on-the-uks-customs-declarations-system
出口管制联合单位（ECJU）通知将来需要在英国海关申报系统中添加许可证编号引用。

阅读更多中文内容： 为英国海关申报系统添加许可证引用：ECJU 发布的新要求及其影响