Ministry of Defence (MOD) Form 680 applications
Uses of the Ministry of Defence Form 680, when you need one and how to get one.
Overview
MOD has set a mandatory requirement for the control of the release by industry of equipment or information with a classification of OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE or above, including in their marketing campaigns to foreign end-users (this includes UK material classified RESTRICTED or above, graded prior to April 2014, and internationally security classified material). Control of release is therefore conducted through the MOD Form 680 application process.
When is a MOD Form 680 required?
All UK companies must obtain MOD Form 680 approval in order to release information or equipment classified OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE and above to foreign entities. This includes internationally security classified material being released from the UK to foreign entities. Approval is also required for some material classified OFFICIAL, but only where the information or equipment connected with the release holds a higher classification. If both the equipment and information is classified OFFICIAL a MOD Form 680 is not required.
Take a look at MOD Form 680 procedure guidance for detailed information and to register to attend the MOD Form 680 Seminar on 11 February 2016.
Other reasons for seeking Form 680 approval
The Export Control Organisation (ECO), part of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, publishes Open General Export Licences (OGELs). Some of these contain a requirement to have an MOD Form 680 approval in place before the licenses can be used. For more information see the guidance on Military Goods Open General Export Licences.
MOD Form 680 and export licence applications
An MOD Form 680 approval for marketing a product to a specified destination does not guarantee that an export licence will be granted for its subsequent export to that destination because MOD Form 680 and export licence applications are entirely separate procedures.
For information on export control licence decision making see Assessment of export licence applications: criteria and policy.
How to apply for a MOD Form 680
MOD Form 680 applications should be submitted to ACP in MOD via the SPIRE portal which can be accessed via SPIRE.
Who assesses Form 680s?
MOD Form 680 applications are assessed by specialist advisers in MOD and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Other advisers may be consulted depending on the nature of the application.
ACP aim to respond to an application within 30 days of receiving the form.
Contact information for Form 680 applications
For queries about MOD Form 680 applications you can contact the desk officer in Arms Control and Counter Proliferation Policy (ACP) who normally deals with your company’s Form 680 applications.
If you are unable to contact your desk officer, or are a new user, you can contact ACP by emailing ACP-ELC@mod.uk
Updates to this page
Last updated 23 December 2015 + show all updates
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Updated main text.
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Amended link and paragraph which indicates application form for seminar is now available.
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Updated following changes to the governemnt security classification.
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Updated contact details for ACP to include an email address.
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Amended broken links and added related guides
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First published.