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Notice

Notice to exporters 2026/17: company named in compound settlement for breaches of export control

Published 30 July 2026

© Crown copyright 2026

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-to-exporters-202617-compound-settlement-for-breaches-of-export-control/notice-to-exporters-202617-compound-settlement-for-breaches-of-export-control

Airbus Operations Limited have paid HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) a compound settlement of £6,409,388 for offences under The Export Control Order 2008.

Over a sustained period before November 2022, Airbus Operations Ltd breached:

  • Article 29(2)(a-g) on multiple occasions for failing to keep accurate records of transfers of controlled technology as per the conditions of three of their Open General Export Licences (OGELs)
  • Article 29(3) on multiple occasions for failing to keep registers in relation to their OGELs
  • Article 29(2)(i) on multiple occasions for failing to keep accurate records contrary to the conditions of one of their OGELs
  • a Standard Individual Export Licence (SIEL) on one occasion, relating to a failure of licence conditions

The above are offences contrary to Articles 38(1)(a) and (b) Export Control Order 2008.

This case was brought to HMRC’s attention following a voluntary disclosure by Airbus Operations Ltd, who have fully cooperated with HMRC’s investigation and implemented appropriate remediation measures.

The case highlights the need for businesses operating within international supply chains to maintain strong internal controls when exporting goods and transferring technology subject to licensing requirements. For transfers made under OGELs, the requirements are set out in the Export Control Order 2008. There may be additional requirements in the OGELs and any SIELs themselves.

Guidance on exporting military or dual-use technology is available on GOV.UK.

All further enquiries relating to this Notice should be referred to newsdesk@hmrc.gov.uk

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