Glossary
What is an Open General Export Licence (OGEL)?
An Open General Export Licence (OGEL) is a pre-published UK licence that any exporter may use, provided they register for it and meet its conditions. It covers specified goods to specified destinations without a separate application for each shipment. |
How does an OGEL differ from a SIEL?
A SIEL is granted to one exporter, for one consignee, after assessment. An OGEL is standing permission published in advance: no assessment and no waiting, but strict conditions on goods, destinations and record-keeping. You register first, then use it the licence is not tailored to you.
Using an OGEL correctly
- Register with the ECJU before the first shipment under it
- Check the goods appear on that specific licence’s schedule
- Check the destination is permitted — coverage varies sharply between licences
- Keep the records: compliance audits are the trade-off for the speed
The cost of getting it wrong
Shipping under an OGEL you are not registered for, or to a destination it does not cover, is an unlicensed export. That is a criminal offence rather than an administrative slip, and the ECJU can withdraw access to open licences altogether.
iCustoms records the licence used against every controlled export, so registration and shipment always match. |
