Export Control Classification
Know exactly what you're exporting
Find out exactly where your products, software and technology sit on the UK control lists.
Overview
Every export licensing decision starts with one question: is this item controlled, and if so, under which entry? Get the classification right and everything that follows — the licence, the paperwork, the customs declaration — falls into place. Get it wrong and you risk either shipping controlled goods without a licence, or paying for licences you never needed.
I work through your product range item by item, reviewing technical specifications against the UK Strategic Export Control Lists, including the UK Military List, the dual-use list and the UK's national controls. You get a clear, documented rating for each item and the reasoning behind it, written so that your sales, logistics and engineering teams can all rely on it.
What's included
How I can help
Technical review
A structured review of datasheets, drawings and specifications, with the questions to put to your engineers where details are missing.
Control list rating
Each item assessed against the Military List, the dual-use list and UK national controls, with the relevant entry identified or confirmed as not listed.
Documented rationale
A written record of how each rating was reached — invaluable for audits, compliance visits and future product changes.
Classification matrix
A single product matrix your team can use day to day, ready to sit alongside your commodity codes.
Official advice where needed
Help preparing a request to the Export Control Joint Unit's control list classification advice service when a formal view is worthwhile.
Updates as lists change
Reviews of existing ratings when the control lists are amended or your products are redesigned.
The process
What to expect
-
01
Gather
We agree which products are in scope and collect the technical information needed.
-
02
Assess
Each item is reviewed against the relevant control entries, parameter by parameter.
-
03
Confirm
Queries are resolved with your technical team, and with ECJU where a formal opinion helps.
-
04
Document
You receive the ratings, the reasoning, and clear next steps on licensing.
Questions
Export Control Classification FAQs
My product isn't military — can it still be controlled?
Yes. Many everyday commercial items fall under dual-use controls because of their performance or the technology inside them: certain electronics, sensors, lasers, machine tools, chemicals, and anything using strong encryption. Classification is how you find out for certain.
Isn't the commodity code enough?
No. Commodity (HS) codes are for customs tariffs and statistics. Control list ratings are a separate system, based on technical parameters, and there's no reliable one-to-one link between the two.
What if an item turns out not to be listed?
That's a useful outcome — but it isn't always the end of the story. End-use ('catch-all') controls and sanctions can still apply depending on the destination, the customer and what the item will be used for. I'll flag where that matters.
Related services
Not sure where to start?
Whether it's one product or a whole range, a first shipment or an audit next month — a short conversation is usually the quickest way to find out what you need.