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Notice

NTE 2026/13: declaring exports under OGELs and GEAs on the UK’s customs declarations system

Published 13 May 2026

© Crown copyright 2026

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-to-exporters-202613-declaring-exports-under-ogels-and-geas-on-the-uks-customs-declarations-system/nte-202613-declaring-exports-under-ogels-and-geas-on-the-uks-customs-declarations-system

Introduction

When exporters register to use Open General Export Licences (OGELs) or General Export Authorisations (GEAs), they are given a unique licence reference in the form ‘GBOGE20XX/XXXXX’.

The UK’s Customs Declarations System (CDS) includes a field, currently box 44, where this licence reference can be entered. Presently only a small number of OGELs have a condition that requires exporters to enter this field on CDS.

We will be updating all relevant OGELs in the coming months to add a condition requiring the licence reference to be entered on CDS for all tangible exports. Including the licence reference on CDS will bring tangible exports made under OGELs and GEAs into line with Standard Individual Export License (SIELs) and Open individual export licence (OIEL). The roll-out of this requirement across all relevant OGELs aims to deliver data that will help us to maintain the appropriate balance between transparency and administrative burden whilst providing insight into OGEL usage and trends.

When this becomes a condition on relevant licences, the inclusion of the licences reference on CDS will be an enforcement matter for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). To ensure a smooth transition for OGEL users, export control joint unit (ECJU) are encouraging exporters to employ good practice by including their OGEL or GEA licence reference on CDS now.

Using Freight Forwarders

When using freight forwarders, exporters must provide the correct licence reference and an instruction to ensure the licence is correctly referenced in the Customs Declaration Service.  An incorrect declaration could constitute a criminal offence under Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Article 167. The exporter of the goods and any agent concerned in the exportation or shipment may be considered responsible for the accuracy of a declaration.

More information on using freight forwarders and customs agents can be found here.

Updating information on CDS

If the licence reference is missed or incorrectly added, a CDS entry can be amended at any time until cleared. If already cleared, exporters can complete a C1700 form and advise that a licence was omitted from the declaration, HMRC will then be able to amend the record to show licence usage.

Record Keeping

Each declaration on CDS generates an Export Entry Reference. Exporters must keep a record of this reference, or a copy of the entry with the other records they are required to keep for that export. Where exporters use freight forwarders to make a declaration on their behalf, they should request that the freight forwarder provide them with this refence number or a copy of the entry.

Get customs data for import and export declarations - GOV.UK

Where can you find the Licence Reference

You can find the unique licence reference number by logging into your SPIRE account and checking the SPIRE letter that confirmed your registration. If you registered for multiple OGELs or GEAs at the same time the letter will contain a unique licence reference for each OGEL or GEA you registered for.

OGELS with no registration requirements

For certain OGELs, there is no requirement to register to use it meaning there will be no associated unique licence reference for exporters to enter into CDS. For these OGELs, a condition will be added requiring a reference relating to the OGEL name to be entered onto CDS. The required text will be set out in each OGEL. The OGELs with no registration requirements are:

Contact ECJU

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

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