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The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) have published NTE 2026/11 detailing that the MOD security approval form 680 (F680) application process is moving from SPIRE to the new LITE application service.
The notice indicates that there are changes to the F680 application process in general, but that US Unclassified ITAR applications will remain on SPIRE for the time being.
The migration of F680 applications to the LITE system is scheduled for completion by Friday, 31 July 2026. From that date onward, applications will no longer be processed through the SPIRE licensing system.
Applicants will need to set up an account LITE via the Apply to Export Controlled Goods service. If applications are made on behalf of a business, the applicant will need access to the company's Government Gateway account in the first instance to link the individual account to the business.
A link to the Government Gateway account setup can be found at: Apply to export controlled goods - GOV.UK, where there are further instructions and guidance
The ECJU requests that users begin transitioning F680 applications to the LITE system as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT: F680 ITAR Exception:
US UNCLASSIFIED ITAR applications are an exception to this transition and cannot be processed on the ‘Apply to Export Controlled Goods’ service at this time. Continue to use SPIRE until further notice.
Help and support
The ECJU have published a video on the F680 application process, which users may find helpful. A link to the video can be found below:
Apply for an F680 | 12th June 2025
General F680 policy and guidance can be found at the link here: Form 680 policy and guidance - GOV.UK.
A link to the notification can be found at the link below:
NTE 2026/11: expiry date for F680S on SPIRE - GOV.UK
Queries regarding an F680 application should be addressed to the ECJU MoD LITE team at the following email address: spoecju-mod-lite-f680@mod.gov.uk
Any LITE account issues should be addressed to the LITE helpdesk at the following email address: lite.support@businessandtrade.gov.uk
General queries about strategic export licensing should be addressed to the ECJU:
Export Control Joint Unit
Department for Business and Trade
Old Admiralty Building
Admiralty Place
London
SW1A 2DY
Email exportcontrol.help@businessandtrade.gov.uk
Telephone 020 7215 4594
Exporters are advised to register to receive email alerts for notices to exporters. Registration for the notices and links to previous notices to exporters can be found at the link below:
Practical Export Licensing Controls
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The UK Export Licensing System
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