Glossary
What is strategic goods?
Strategic goods are items whose export is controlled because of their military, security or proliferation potential. In the UK they are set out in the consolidated list of strategic military and dual-use items that require export authorisation. |
What counts as strategic goods?
- Items specifically designed or modified for military use, and their components
- Dual-use items with both civil and military applications
- Associated technology and software
- Goods that might be used for torture or capital punishment
- Radioactive sources
Who controls them in the UK
The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) administers the licensing system and publishes the consolidated list, drawing together the departments responsible for business, foreign policy and defence. Licences are issued through it, whether individual or open.
Control status is not the commodity code
Strategic control turns on an item’s technical specification, not its tariff classification. Two products sharing a commodity code can differ on a single performance parameter one controlled, one not. Checking control status is a separate exercise from classification, and skipping it is how unlicensed exports happen.
iCustoms flags controlled-goods indicators alongside classification, so control status is checked before export. |
