OGEL Guidance
Open General Export Licences, used with confidence
Use Open General Export Licences with confidence — the right one, registered and complied with.
Overview
Open General Export Licences (OGELs) are pre-published licences that let you export certain controlled items to certain destinations without applying for an individual licence. Used correctly, they save a great deal of time. But each OGEL has its own scope, excluded destinations and conditions, and you must register before you use it.
I identify which OGELs genuinely cover your exports, help you register, and make sure you understand — and can evidence — every condition. Because OGEL holders can expect compliance audits, I also help you put the records and procedures in place so that a visit holds no surprises.
What's included
How I can help
OGEL matching
Checking your rated items and destinations against the available OGELs, including their exclusions.
Registration
Help registering for the right OGELs on the government licensing system.
Conditions explained
A practical checklist of each OGEL's conditions, tailored to your business.
Records & procedures
Simple procedures for checking each shipment and keeping the records the licence requires.
Audit preparation
A mock audit of your OGEL use, with clear actions on anything that needs attention.
Putting things right
Support after an audit finding, including corrective action plans.
The process
What to expect
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01
Match
Your goods and destinations are checked against the OGELs.
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02
Register
We register for the licences that fit, and confirm their conditions.
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03
Embed
Procedures and records are set up so your team uses them correctly.
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04
Audit-ready
Periodic checks keep you ready for a compliance visit.
Questions
OGEL Guidance FAQs
Do I really need to register for an OGEL?
Yes. You must register before your first export under an OGEL, and you must meet all of its conditions every time you use it. Registration is quick, but it brings obligations — including the possibility of a compliance audit.
Can I use an OGEL for any destination?
No. Each OGEL lists the goods it covers and the destinations it applies to, and many exclude particular countries. Some also exclude exports where you know or suspect a sensitive end use. Checking scope carefully is essential.
What happens at an OGEL compliance audit?
A compliance officer reviews how you use the licence: your ratings, your shipment records, and whether conditions have been met. Findings can range from advice to a warning letter or suspension of the licence. Good preparation makes a real difference.
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.