Notice to exporters 2026/18: F680 applicants to use LITE instead of SPIRE
Published 31 July 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-to-exporters-202618-f680-licence-applicants-to-use-lite-instead-of-spire/notice-to-exporters-202618-f680-applicants-to-use-lite-instead-of-spire
From the 31st July 2026 SPIRE will no longer be processing F680 applications where permission to release material graded at OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE or above is being sought.
Please use the Apply to Export Controlled Goods Service, also known as LITE.
F680 applications for the release of unclassified ITAR only material in a stand-alone application will continue to be assessed on SPIRE.
F680 applications relating to the release of material with a security grading of OFFICAL-SENSITIVE or above which are submitted on SPIRE after the 31st July 2026 will not be actioned and will be returned to the applicant with a request to reapply through on LITE.
Applications which contain a mixture of OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE material and related ITAR elements must be made on LITE regardless of whether those elements are classified or unclassified.
The change only applies to F680 forms. It does not apply to stand alone unclassified ITAR which must still be submitted on SPIRE until further notice.
If you already use our new online service to apply for F680s for activities graded at OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE or above, you should continue to log into the service as normal. If you have never used the service, you need to register.
Our intention is to transition all F680 applications off SPIRE in the future, including unclassified ITAR F680 forms. We will inform you of any updates via our Notices to Exporters.
If you need help with your F680 application or have any question, please contact the Ministry of Defence (MoD) team in the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) at ECJU-MODTeam@mod.gov.uk. You can also write to the team at:
MOD Team
Export Control Joint Unit
Department for Business and Trade
Old Admiralty Building
Admiralty Place
Whitehall
London
SW1A 2DY