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Notice to Exporters communications totalled 34 in 2025, covering a variety of topics. Popular subjects for last year’s announcements included changes to UK Open General Export Licences (OGELs). The AUKUS licence for Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States was subject to specific notices. Also, the UK’s sanctions on Russia and updates on export control non-compliance, along with subsequent compound settlements, were regularly announced throughout the year.
As the year ended, we saw further updates to UK Export Control legislation, along with the creation of new classifications.
Below is a summary of the Notices to Exporters published in 2025, including the subjects covered.
Notice to Exporters 2025/01: Countering Russian sanctions evasion
The first Notice to Exporters update of 2025 provided guidance to UK Exporters on countering Russian sanctions evasion, along with supplementary guidance to help businesses insert a “no re-export to Russia” clause into contracts.
Notice to Exporters 2025/02: Update to Open General Export Licence
Relating to the Open General Export Licence (exports in support of Joint Strike Fighter: F-35 Lighting II), this notice advised the addition of Greece as a permitted destination.
Notice to Exporters 2025/03: Countering Russian sanctions evasion and circumvention guidance.
Updating the guidance issued under NTE 2025/01, this notice introduced the Common High Priority List, detailed specific critical items to Russian weapons systems and Military development, identified by the Harmonised System code.
Notice to Exporters 2025/04: Changes to permitted destinations on 4 Open General Export Licences
The second Open Licence update of 2025 removed Rwanda as a permitted destination on four OGELs for Military Goods.
Notice to Exporters 2025/05: Compound settlement offers for Export Control breaches.
This notice confirmed a compound settlement issued in October 2024 to a UK business for unlicensed exports of dual-use goods and failure to declare a licence to HMRC. The communication also advised an increase in Voluntary Disclosures over the last year.
Notice to Exporters 2025/06: Updates to the UK Strategic Export Control list
Published on 11th March 2025, subscribers were advised of a forthcoming amendment to the “Consolidated list of strategic military and dual-use items that require export authorisation” to align with domestic and multilateral changes.
Notice to Exporters 2025/07: Update to Open General Export Licence
Advising an update to the Open General Licence (AUKUS Nations) to better align with the United States' excluded technologies list for the trilateral security partnership among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Notice to Exporters 2025/08: Compound settlement offers for Export Control breaches.
HMRC agrees to three settlements with UK companies during January and February 2025—two settlements related to unlicensed exports of military goods, totalling more than £3.6 million.
Notice to Exporters 2025/09: Update to Open General Export Licence
This notice communicated a revision to the Open General Export Licence for oil and gas exploration to permit exports to the continental shelf off coastal destinations that are confirmed as permitted destinations on the licence.
Notice to Exporters 2025/10: Update to Open General Export Licence
Advising a revision to the Open General Export Licence oil and gas exploration: dual-use items to reinclude the UK Continental Shelf as a permitted destination.
Notice to Exporters 2025/11: Further sanctions against Russia introduced in April 2025
Confirming new Trade Sanctions on Russia, which entered into force on 24th April, 2025. The new measures added new sanctions items and the provision of related ancillary services.
Notice to Exporters 2025/12: Amendments to Syria sanctions and revocation of general trade licence
Further to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s Syria amendments on 25th April 2025, this notice advised the removal of certain export restrictions on Syria and the revocation of the general trade licence for Syria sanctions – earthquake relief efforts in Syria.
Notice to Exporters 2025/13: the export control (amendment) regulations 2025
Further to Notice to Exporters 2025/06 on 2nd May 2025, we have a variety of updates to the Export Control Order 2008 and Assimilated Dual Use Regulation, resulting in a revised “consolidated list” to be issued.
Notice to Exporters 2025/14: changes to the scope on 13 Open General Export Licences
On May 9th 2025, notice communicated the revision of 13 Military Open General Export Licences to exclude nuclear power-generating equipment under ML17g and naval nuclear propulsion equipment under ML9.
Notice to Exporters 2025/15: F680
An update relating to LITE, Licensing for International Trade and Enterprise, the replacement for SPIRE. The notice advised that users should apply on LITE for an F680, the Ministry of Defence security approval form 680.
Notice to Exporters 2025/16: Updated use of characters on the Customs Declaration Service (CDS)
Published on 17th June 2025, this notice advised a change to CDS, the Customs Declaration Service, which would exclude case sensitivity and include the acceptance of special and diacritic characters applicable on licences used for the import and export of licensable goods.
Notice to Exporters 2025/17: Update to the Uk Arms Embargo on Armenia and Azerbaijan
Communicating updates to the UK arms embargo on Armenia and Azerbaijan, which does not apply to weapons, ammunition and munitions that might be used on the land border between the two countries by military, police, security forces, and related government entities of either destination.
Notice to Exporters 2025/18: Compound Settlement for Export Control Breach
Further communication on July 8th, 2025, regarding the largest compound settlement of a breach of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. Just over £1.1 million was paid by a UK Exporter in May 2025.
The Home Office launched the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), which increased transparency into activities taking place in the UK at the instruction of a foreign state or a foreign state-controlled organisation. The note detailed two types of activity: the political influence tier and the enhanced tier, for which FIRS registration is required.
Notice to Exporters 2025/20: Updated End User Undertaking and Guidance
This announcement introduced a change to the process for exporters seeking to apply for a SIEL (Standard Individual Export Licence) or SITCL (Standard Individual Trade Control Licence). Previously, an End User Undertaking or Stockist Undertaking were the appropriate document depending on the scenario. The notice advised that a new single document, the “End-user and stockist undertaking EUSU)” form, would take effect from 1st September 2025 and provided a link to the newly created guidance document to assist with completing the new undertaking. The update also confirmed that digital signatures are acceptable, the removal of the Annexe A document and confirmation that it is no longer necessary to provide the document on a company letterhead.
Notice to Exporters 2025/21: F680 Approval for classified and unclassified ITAR material
The first of two communications was published on 21st July 2025. This notice confirmed details of the F680 requirements. Further to NTE 2025/15, this notice advised that a LITE application is required for approval to release UK Official Sensitive and above material, as well as ITAR Classified material. Subsequently a SPIRE application is needed for approval to release ITAR unclassified items.
The second July 21st, 2025, communication announced the publication of the General Trade Licence (Russia Sanctions – Sectoral Software and Technology) on the same day. The licence permits the transfer of technology for business enterprise software and technology, subject to the Terms and Conditions. It related to the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, which came into force.
Notice to Exporters 2025/23: New Ultimate end-user screen
On August 15th, 2025, details of a possible New Ultimate End-User screen to be incorporated into LITE for SIEL applications were communicated.
Published on 27th August, NTE 2025/24 published an amendment to EU Regulation 2019/25 through Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/928, which applies directly to Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework. The notice confirmed that implications for England, Scotland, and Wales were under consideration and would be published in due course.
Notice to Exporters 2025/25: Reversal of new ultimate end-user screen
Further to the announcement on 15th August 2025, this notice advised a reversal of the Ultimate End-User screen on LITE, confirming that an update would be made to the stockist application, with unknown ultimate end-users, once available.
Notice to Exporters 2025/26: Update to open general export licence
Further to the change communicated via NTE 2025/07, issued on 2nd October 2025, this notice advised of changes to the Open General Licence (AUKUS Nations), specifically regarding F680 requirements and membership of the Authorised user community. The notice also made changes to better align with the United States Excluded Technologies List.
This notice advised of an extension of the validity of the General trade licence for Russia sanctions sectoral software and technology to 17th April 2026. The initial licence was revoked, and an updated version was published.
Notice to Exporters 2025/28: Removal of UK arms embargo on Armenia and Azerbaijan
The UK Government announced the complete lifting of the UK Arms Embargo on Armenia and Azerbaijan on 13th October 2025. This was subsequently confirmed via Notice to Exporters on 29th October 2025.
Notice to Exporters 2025/29: the Export Control (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2025
NTE 2025/29, on November 7th provided advanced notice of the upcoming Statutory Instrument. (SI): The Export Control (Amendment) (No.2) regulations 2025. These changes amended and updated the controls to strengthen compliance on specific emerging technologies, amending and updating the Export Control Order 2008, Annexe I of the Council Regulation EC 428/2009, and the assimilated Torture Regulation. In addition, there was a further update regarding Armenia and Azerbaijan, reflecting the lifting of the Arms Embargo, whilst providing that certain goods remain subject to transit control.
Notice to Exporters 2025/30: Updates to the Export Control regulations
Further to NTE 2025/29, an update on 20th November provided details of updates to UK Export Control legislation. Amongst the changes, the UK National Dual Use classifications PL9013, PL9014, and PL9015 were transferred to the Assimilated Dual Use list. The new classifications were identified by a third digit of “5” and were described as “500 Series” controls. Subsequently, an updated version of the “consolidated list” was published on 16th December 2025.
Notice to Exporters 2025/31: UK Export pays compound settlement for breaches of export controls.
Published on 1st December 2025, this notice confirmed a compound settlement offer paid by a UK Exporter for unlicensed exports of Military Goods.
Notice to Exporters 2025/32: UK accedes to the Agreement on Defence Export Controls
Joining France, Germany, and Spain, the UK acceded to the agreement, which is, a defence exports treaty designed to reduce the administrative burden of granting export licences among signatory nations. The Export Control Joint Unit published this notice on 11th December 2025.
Notice to Exporters 2025/33: Open general export licences updated
This notice, issued on 16th December 2025, advised that eight OGELs had been updated to align with the commencement of the Export Control (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2025, which came into force on the same day.
Notice to Exporters 2025/34: Update to general trade licence Russia sanctions – fertilisers.
The final Notice to Exporters of 2025 advised of an update to the licence relating to financial services and funds related to fertilisers.
Practical Export Licensing Controls - Learning Pathway
The Practical Export Licensing Controls Learning Pathway provides a structured and comprehensive approach to understanding the key aspects of UK Export Controls. This pathway equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to navigate and apply these regulations effectively within their professional roles and work environments.
Beginners Guide to Export Licensing Controls
Whether at the start of your learning pathway or as a standalone training session, this course will equip you with the necessary knowledge to understand export licensing controls and how they work. Covering essential elements provides a solid foundation for understanding what goods, technology or software could be controlled and reviewing business-relevant areas in more detail.
Focus On: Embargoes, Sanctions and End-Use Controls
This half-day session highlights the importance of understanding embargoes and sanctions, focusing on UK regulations and the growing sanctions on Russia. It reviews current financial sanctions managed by OFSI and the severe consequences of non-compliance, including fines, reputation loss, and criminal charges. The course emphasises the need for exporters to comply with embargoes and sanctions.
Applying for and Using UK Export Licences
This practical session provides the necessary information for applying for individual licences and helps you determine when an open licence is suitable for specific movements or transfers of controlled items. The workshop is designed to instruct participants on using the UK export licensing system.
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