UK suspends export licences for military and related equipment to Russia

19 March 2014

A ban has been imposed by the UK Government on all exports of military equipment which could be used by Russian armed forces against the Ukraine.

All export licences and license processing for military and ‘duel-use’ items have been suspended by the Export Control Organisation (ECO) following a statement by foreign secretary, William Hague, to the House of Commons on Monday.

All licences for exports to third-party countries where items could be incorporated into equipment for export to Russia, where there is ‘a clear risk’ that the end product will be used against the Ukraine, have also been suspended.

The ECO says that all holders of existing licences affected by the ban are being contacted individually to notify them of the suspension.
In a statement the ECO says: “The suspension will be kept under review until conditions indicate that it is appropriate to lift these restrictions.

“We are committed to keeping exporters informed on changes in export controls. We also recommend that you keep yourself well informed of developments in Ukraine through the media and other information channels.”

William Hague has also urged other European nations to follow Britain’s military export ban to Russia.

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