Notice to exporters 2019/06: UK exporter punished for brokering goods without a licence
Published 14 May 2019
Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) recently issued a compound penalty of £10,234.26 to a UK exporter/trader.
The penalty was in relation to unlicensed trading of body armour. The goods were not exported from the UK, but the transaction involved a UK national. The Export Control Order 2008 requires a trade control licence when certain goods are exported from a country other than the UK.
Exporters should be aware that trafficking and brokering military goods outside the UK will need a trade control licence, even if the goods do not pass through the UK.
See the following open general trade control licences:
- Open general trade control licence (category C goods)
- Open general trade control licence (trade and transportation: small arms and light weapons)
- Open general trade control licence (maritime anti-piracy)
Export control legislation is enforced by HMRC, working with the Crown Prosecution Service. Where appropriate, HMRC can use their powers to offer a compound penalty in lieu of prosecution.
For further information about the content of this notice, please contact the HMRC helpline: 0300 200 3700.
Contacts
General queries about strategic export licensing
Export Control Joint Unit
Department for Business and Trade
Old Admiralty Building
Admiralty Place
London
SW1A 2DY
Email exportcontrol.help@businessandtrade.gov.uk
Telephone 020 7215 4594
More information on export controls is available on the ECJU pages of the GOV.UK website, also the SPIRE export licensing database.
This notice is for information only and has no force in law. If the information here applies to your business, we recommend you take appropriate action, including seeking legal advice if necessary.
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