Title page
Contents
Summary 4
1. Overview of the UK export control system 7
1.1. List of items that require an export licence 7
1.2. Assessing licence applications and the criteria 8
1.3. The different types of licences 13
1.4. Penalties for exporting without a licence 15
1.5. Gifting equipment to foreign governments 15
2. The legislative framework 17
2.1. The Export Control Act 2002 and Export Control Order 2008 17
2.2. EU retained legislation 17
2.3. Exports from Northern Ireland and current EU regulations 18
3. Parliamentary scrutiny 19
3.1. The Committees on Arms Export Controls 19
4. Commentary and topical issues 22
4.1. External scrutiny 22
4.2. Arms exports and human rights: an inherent conflict? 22
4.3. Judicial reviews of Government decisions 25
4.4. End-use monitoring 26
4.5. Transparency and data 28
4.6. Calls for a register of arms brokers 30
5. Relevant international treaties, agreements and forums 31
Table 1. Summary of application outcomes 2022 14