Strategic Export Controls
Compliance that works in practice
Practical compliance programmes, training and audits that keep your business on the right side of the rules.
Overview
Strategic export controls reach further than many businesses realise. As well as physical shipments, they can apply to software downloads, technical data sent by email or shared in the cloud, technical help given overseas, and arranging trade between other countries. Catch-all end-use controls and sanctions add further layers depending on who you're dealing with.
I help you build proportionate, practical compliance — the procedures, screening, training and record keeping that fit the size and risk of your business. The aim is a programme your staff actually follow, that protects the business, and that stands up to scrutiny from regulators, customers and auditors.
What's included
How I can help
Internal compliance programme
Written procedures covering responsibilities, classification, licensing, screening, record keeping and escalation.
End-use & end-user checks
Proportionate screening and red-flag checks against catch-all controls and sanctions.
Technology transfer
Controls for software, technical data and know-how shared electronically or in person.
Staff training
Clear, relevant training for sales, engineering, logistics and management teams.
Health checks & audits
An independent review of how well your controls work, with prioritised recommendations.
When things go wrong
Support investigating potential breaches and advice on voluntary disclosure.
The process
What to expect
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01
Understand
I learn how your business trades: products, markets, customers and systems.
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02
Assess
Risks and gaps are identified against what the rules require.
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03
Build
Procedures, checks and training are put in place to suit your business.
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04
Review
Periodic health checks keep the programme current as you grow.
Questions
Strategic Export Controls FAQs
We're a small business — do we need a formal compliance programme?
It should be proportionate. A small exporter of a few controlled items needs something far simpler than a large defence manufacturer. What matters is that responsibilities are clear, the right checks happen, and you can show it.
Do export controls apply to emailing technical data?
They can. Controls apply to the transfer of controlled technology and software by electronic means, including email, file sharing and cloud access from overseas. It's one of the most commonly overlooked areas.
What are catch-all controls?
End-use controls that can apply even when an item isn't on a control list — for example, where you know or have been told that it may be used in connection with weapons of mass destruction, or for military end use in an embargoed destination.
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.