Open Licence Returns are an essential reminder that the exporter must adhere to the Terms and Conditions of the OGEL they have registered to use. In the first instance, the exporter must review the licence to ensure compliance with the requirements. Alternatively, the conditions can be checked using the OGEL Checker. The registration process for an OGEL provides the exporter with a unique licence number. Open Licences can be updated, so the exporter must be aware of any changes. Signing up for Notice to Exporters is highly recommended. The exporter will always use the latest version of the licence. Verifying the licence's validity and retaining a copy on file are imperative for audit preparation. 

The SPIRE “workbasket” contains the link to submit Open Licence Returns. Clicking this option takes the user to a screen where they can either manually submit the information or download a spreadsheet to generate a bulk report. 

The template has five columns: “Licence Number”, “Destination”, “End-User Type”, “Usage Count”, and “Period”. The Manual Return replicates the information and adds an additional section to confirm whether a Nil Return is being submitted to the ECJU. 

The Manual Return section provides a drop-down list of licence numbers that require a return. The “Destination” drop-down will list the countries valid for the licence. The SPIRE hint for the destination confirms that the necessary information is the first destination country in which the goods are used, in the form in which they left the source country. The “End-User Type” provides four options: “Government,” “Commercial,” “Pvt Indiv.” (Private Individual), or “Other.” The hint indicates that “Other” applies to an Academic Institution. The hint defines the end-user as the first organisation or person that uses the goods in the form in which they left the source country. 

The usage count is the number of times the exporter has used their OGEL for the selected end-user type in the chosen country. The ECJU is currently updating the Open Licence Return guidance. An interim communication published by the ECJU in December 2025 confirmed that tangible exports made should be submitted on a per shipment basis. This means that if a shipment included multiple licensable items, the exporter would need to declare the usage as a single item. Accurate record-keeping is imperative for Customs and Trade Compliance. In theory, the exporter could consolidate multiple orders into a single shipment, identified by the information declared to CDS, (The Customs Declaration Service). Each shipment will have a unique MRN (Movement Reference Number), with the requirement to declare the exporter’s licence number in Data Element 2/3. 

Always double-check that the period is correct before submitting the return! 

In January 2026, returns for calendar year 2025 must be submitted. Please do not assume the drop-down displays the correct year. Unfortunately, exporters have submitted returns for the wrong year. 

Many Happy Returns!