Common Misconceptions
“Export controls are only to do with ‘arms’ – ie weapons – and not my non-weapon related military equipment” – WRONG The scope of export controls encompasses a very wide range of goods and technologies, including very many outside the normal perception of “military equipment” (eg 8A002f of the dual-use goods regulations catch underwater digital cameras)
“Export controls are only to do with major items of equipment, and not my components” – WRONG Export controls affect goods and technologies down to component level
“Export controls only affect permanent shipments of goods” – WRONG Any movements of controlled goods overseas, even if only on a temporary basis, are controlled
“Export controls only affect the movement of goods” – WRONG For many years controls have been in place on the movement of ‘technology’
“You do not need export licences for the European Union” – WRONG Military List controls affect exports to anywhere outside of the UK (including the Channel Islands!)
“Export controls do not affect the return of samples” – WRONG Any movements of controlled goods overseas, even if merely back to their original suppliers, are controlled