UK. 2010 ‘Export Controls.’ National Report of the United Kingdom on its Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA), p. 3. New York, NY: Counter Proliferation Department / Foreign and Commonwealth Office. 1 March

Relevant contents

Export Controls.

The UK has one of the strictest and most transparent arms export licensing systems in the world. Licences to export arms, and other goods subject to control, are issued by BIS (Department for Business Innovation & Skills). All applications for export licenses are considered against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria. Applications are circulated to other government departments for advice, in line with their own policy responsibilities. These departments are the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Department for International Development (DfID). Their roles are;

FCO considers the foreign policy implications of any proposed export or supply of controlled goods and technology. This includes ensuring that recommendations on export licence applications given to BIS are consistent with overall policy on defence exports and consistent with the UK's international obligations and commitments (including in relation to arms embargoes and prevention of human rights abuses).

MoD assesses the potential risk to the security of the UK, British forces overseas and our allies. MoD also provides military, technical and equipment security advice; assesses whether goods are controlled and whether they are appropriate for the stated end-use; and provides advice on bilateral defence relations and advises on export sales generally.

DfID leads on advice on the potential impact of the proposed export on sustainable development and comment on other criteria, notably human rights and internal repression.

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