NTE 2023/25: electronic signatures and export licencing
Published 22 December 2023
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-to-exporters-202325-electronic-signatures-and-export-licencing/nte-202325-electronic-signatures-and-export-licencing
Introduction
Further to Notice to Exporters 2020/10 where Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) announced we would accept electronic signatures due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
This notice confirms electronic or e-signatures remain valid in connection with all UK export controls documents.
“Wet” signatures no longer required
We no longer require “wet” signatures on any documents,including end user undertaking documents submitted to ECJU relating to export controls.
Legality of electronic signatures
We fully appreciate that electronic signatures come in many forms and formats and that they are only as secure as the business processes and technology used to create them. A digital or electronic signature is just as legally binding as a handwritten signature.
In the UK electronic signatures have been legal since 2000 and the Department of International Trade, (DIT) (now the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) announced our commitment to digital trade in November 2021.
Contact ECJU for guidance on export controls
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
Further guidance and support
The Export Support Service is ready to help with any other enquiries about exporting that are not specific to the requirement for export licences.
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