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Guidance

Applying for export licences using SPIRE

How to use the online export licensing system to get a licence to export controlled goods, software and technology overseas.

Updates to this page

From:
Export Control Joint Unit, Department for Business and Trade and Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade
Published:
9 January 2017
Last updated:
23 April 2026
Show all updates

  1. Updates to external guidance as a result of OTSI’s expanded licensing remit.

  2. The list of approvals and licences that can be applied for using SPIRE has been updated. You should now only use SPIRE for MOD F680 unclassified ITAR applications. The link to apply for SIELs and all other F680s has been updated to a new GOV.UK start page for the service.

  3. New signposting was added to the SIEL section of the guide for users who need to apply for a licence to provide sanctioned services.

  4. Overview page updated to better explain which SIELs should be applied for in SPIRE instead of the new Apply for a SIEL service.

  5. Information about the SPIRE system has been updated to reflect that there is a new DBT service to apply for standard individual export licences.

  6. Instructions for applying for a standard individual export licence (SIEL) have been updated. There is a new service for applying for SIELs in most instances. The update includes a link to the new service. It also explains which SIEL applications still have to made on SPIRE.

  7. Added content under 'Registering for an OGEL or an OGTCL' on need to re-register licences if you change premises.

  8. Amended guidance for exporters using SPIRE to apply for export licences from 1 January 2021.

  9. First published.

Documents

Using SPIRE to get an export licence

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Details

SPIRE (login required) is the Export Control Joint Unit’s (ECJU) online export licensing system.

Use SPIRE to apply for:

  • open general export licences (OGELs), trade control licences (OGTCLs), open individual export licences (OIELs), transhipment licences and standard individual export licences (SIELs) that cannot be made on the apply to export controlled goods service
  • Ministry of Defence (MoD) Form 680 (F680) approval to release unclassified ITAR items or information – use the apply to export controlled goods service for all other F680 applications, including classified International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
  • private venture security grading
  • exhibition clearance

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