As of September 17, 2024, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) introduced the new Licensing for International Trade (LITE) platform, which will replace the former SPIRE system for UK export licenses. SPIRE, managed by the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU), has long been the UK’s online export licensing system for strategic goods, including military, dual-use items, and goods destined for sanctioned locations.¹

Exporters of strategic goods², software or technology should now submit their application for all Standard Individual Export License (SIEL)to the ECJU using the LITE platform.

For the time being, applications for all other non-SIEL licenses should continue to be made on SPIRE³, including:

• Open Individual Export Licenses (OIELs) – For multiple products
• Open General Export Licenses (OGELs) – For specific items, depending on the destination
• Dual-Use Licenses – For products which have dual-use applications

However, these are expected to fully transition to LITE starting in November 2024.

What are next steps for exporters?

• Registered exporters should expect to receive updates about the status of LITE and can access it through the Gov.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/find-licences/apply-for-a-standard-individual-export-licence-siel.
• New users must first register with HMRC on the Government Gateway, which serves as the central online portal for various government services, including LITE.

The transition to LITE will in a phased rollout, so it’s important to stay updated on official announcements from the UK Department for International Trade (DIT) for any specific changes.

Marken stays committed to supporting clients in navigating the regulatory and trade landscape of the global clinical supply chain. Please contact our team at TradeCompliance@marken.com if you have any questions.

Sources:

1. 1. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-to-exporters-202415-intention-to-move-to-lite-public-beta-in-september-2024/nte-202415-intention-to-move-to-lite-public-beta-in-september-2024
2. 2. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/standard-individual-export-licences#introduction
3. 3. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-to-exporters-202425-launch-of-the-apply-for-a-siel-service-lite-public-beta/480144ef-9352-46ca-afb5-eb8b544fa4b7