Licence

Apply for a standard individual export licence (SIEL)

Use this service to apply for a SIEL to export products or goods. You also can manage your applications and licences.

Apply for this licence

Start now

Use this service to:

  • apply for a SIEL to export strategic goods, software or technology
  • edit or check an application
  • view your existing SIELs

You cannot apply for some types of SIEL licences using this service. Email lite.support@businessandtrade.gov.uk if you need access to SPIRE.

When not to use this service

Use SPIRE to apply:

You must also use SPIRE to export goods, software and technology with the control list entries in the table below:

Category Control list entries
Software 2D352, 3D006, 3E003h
Marine 8A002o4
Technology 9E003a2e, 9E003k
List of capital punishment and torture goods annex II 1.1 to 1.4, 2.1 to 2.8, 3.1 and 3.2, 4.1 and 4.2
List of capital punishment and torture goods annex III 1.1 to 1.3, 2.1 to 2.3, 3.1 to 3.6
List of capital punishment and torture goods annex IV 1.1

To provide standalone services, including professional and business services, to sanctioned destinations, apply for a licence to provide sanctioned trade services.

Before you start

If you’re part of an organisation, you will need a user account that is connected to your organisation’s account.

Create your account

  1. Set up a GOV.UK One Login account.
  2. You will be redirected back to the SIEL service, so will need to enter your GOV.UK One Login account details to sign in.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to create your account.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to create an account for your organisation.

If your organisation already has an account, ask a colleague with access to add you. They can do this through the ‘manage your organisation and personal details’ link within ‘account home’.

Help with your application

Read the SIEL guidance for more details on this licence, including supporting documents.

Watch our export control webinars for support with making an application and registration.

For progress on your case or to give feedback on this service, contact the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) Helpdesk at exportcontrol.help@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

This service has been designed in line with the government accessibility strategy. However, if you encounter issues that affect your accessibility needs, contact lite.support@businessandtrade.gov.uk or call +44(0)20 7215 4594 (select option 2).

Part of Get UK customs clearance when exporting goods: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check if you need to follow this process

    Follow these steps to get your goods for export through UK customs if you’re managing the process yourself.

    Getting customs clearance can be complicated. You can hire a transporter or customs agent to make the export declaration and get your goods through UK customs.

    1. Hire someone to deal with customs for you

    Your business and goods must be ready to export before you can get customs clearance.

    1. Find out about exporting goods from the UK
    1. Check if you need to make an export declaration

  2. Step 2 Set up your business for making export declarations

    You need an EORI number that starts with GB to export goods from England, Wales or Scotland.

    If you move goods to or from Northern Ireland you may need one that starts with XI.

    1. Get an EORI number

    Depending on where you're moving goods, you need to be registered on the right systems and have compatible software to make declarations.

    1. Check what systems and software you need to make declarations

  3. and Get permission to export plant products or controlled goods

    1. Register to export plants or plant products
    1. Register on SPIRE to export controlled goods like weapons

    For some controlled goods, you'll need to apply for a standard individual export licence instead.

    1. You are currently viewing: Apply for a standard individual export licence
    1. Check the exporting goods from the UK guidance if you're not sure which licence you need

  4. Step 3 Check if you can make the customs process quicker

    There are processes that can make clearing customs quicker and easier to manage if you have to make customs declarations regularly.

    1. Find out about using simplified declaration procedures
    2. Check if you can use Common Transit to move your goods more quickly
    3. Find out about getting Authorised Economic Operator status

  5. Step 4 Declare your goods for export

    1. Find out when and how to make an export declaration

  6. Step 5 Get the goods across the UK border

    The goods must be taken to the port or UK border location named in the export declaration.

    At the border, you or your transporter will need:

    • the ‘master reference number’ from the export declaration
    • the invoice
    • any export licences or certificates needed

    Customs staff might check the goods before allowing them to cross the UK border.

    1. Find out about customs procedures if you're taking goods out of the UK by road

  7. Step 6 Get the goods released if they're held up at the UK border

    The goods may be held up at customs, for example if:

    • you do not have the right licences for the goods or business
    • they did not pass inspection
    • they've been combined with a shipment that has been held up

    If this happens you will be told why.

    1. Contact the National Clearance Hub to get help