How we assess export licence applications
Understand how we make licence decisions and how the consideration period works.
How we make decisions
Before we can decide to approve your licence application, we need to assess it. To help us make a decision, our assessors provide the following:
- recommendations
- comments and notes
- fit and proper person (FPP) assessments.
We then decide about an application and let you know the outcome by email.
It’s important to make sure your application is complete, and that all required information is included, or the assessment may take longer.
Understanding the consideration period
Under the Export Control Act 2020, opens in a new tab, we have 120 days (about 4 months) to make a decision on your export licence application. This is called the consideration period.
The 120 days consideration period starts the day after we receive a complete application. For example, if we receive an application on Wednesday, the consideration period starts on Thursday at 12 am.
If the 120 days expire and we have not made a decision, your application is ‘deemed refused’.
We’ll email you to tell you the outcome of your application.
When the consideration period is extended
In some situations, we can extend the consideration period. This includes when we ask you for more supporting information.
We resume the consideration period after these requirements have been completed.