UK proposes tighter export controls on advanced technologies
The UK government has announced plans to amend strategic export controls covering military goods, dual-use technologies and sanctioned jurisdictions, with new regulations expected to take effect in December 2026.
LONDON, Oct. 23, 2026 — The UK Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) has published proposed amendments to the country's strategic export control framework, including expanded controls on advanced technologies, changes to country classifications linked to sanctions regimes and the withdrawal of an existing general export authorisation.
The proposed regulations would amend the Export Control Order 2008 and the UK's assimilated Dual-Use Regulation, updating controls on military and dual-use goods, software and technology. The revisions would incorporate changes agreed during the 2025 reviews of international export control regimes, including the Wassenaar Arrangement and Australia Group. They would also update restrictions covering semiconductor manufacturing equipment, advanced computing technologies and specialised materials, reflecting the government's wider national security commitments.
The proposals include changes to Schedule 4 of the Export Control Order 2008, which contains country classifications relevant to certain export controls. Haiti would move from Part 3 to Part 2, while the Central African Republic would move from Part 2 to Part 3, reflecting changes to the corresponding UK sanctions regimes. These adjustments would align the export control framework with existing sanctions measures rather than introduce new financial sanctions designations.
The government also intends to revoke General Export Authorisation No 001 (GEA001) from Annex IIa of the assimilated Dual-Use Regulation, following its replacement in Great Britain by the Dual-Use Open General Export Licence. Exporters registered to use GEA001 when the regulations take effect would be permitted to continue using the authorisation until April 1, 2027. The revocation would apply only in Great Britain, with the equivalent EU authorisation remaining available for exports from Northern Ireland under the applicable EU dual-use framework.
The amendments remain subject to ministerial and parliamentary approval. The government expects to lay the regulations before Parliament in November 2026, with implementation anticipated in early December. The final legislation and accompanying explanatory memorandum have yet to be published.
The proposed changes would require affected exporters to review their licensing arrangements, controlled goods classifications and applicable country restrictions ahead of implementation, particularly where transactions involve advanced technologies or jurisdictions subject to UK sanctions.