Looking for an estimate to ship your ex-military vehicle to/from the UK to the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or elsewhere? Get a free quote on our website now or continue reading to learn more about the process, including key documents & licences required to ship ex-military vehicles overseas.
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Why is Export Licensing Necessary for Shipping Military Vehicles?
Export licensing is a requirement when shipping military vehicles to ensure compliance with international regulations. These regulations aim to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the misuse of military technology. The export of certain goods, including military vehicles, is subject to control under these regulations.
Many countries are signatories to international arms control treaties and agreements aimed at curbing the spread of weapons and military equipment. Export licensing ensures compliance with these agreements by regulating the export of ex-military vehicles and tracking their movements across borders.
Export licensing allows Governments to assess the intended end-use and end-user of ex-military vehicles, this helps to ensure that these vehicles aren’t utilised for unauthorised purpose or to entities involved in human rights abuses, conflicts or other illegal activities,
Military vehicles often incorporate advanced technologies and intellectual property that countries may want to safeguard. Export licensing enables authorities to control the transfer of such technologies to protect national interests.
The UK government regulates the export of all military equipment through its Department for International Trade (DIT). The DIT assesses each application on a case-by-case basis against strict criteria that considers factors such as human rights abuses, regional stability, and national security concerns.
Types of Export Licenses for Ex-Military Vehicles in the UK & How to Apply
Open General Export Licence for Ex-Military Vehicles in the UK
The UK government has specific export regulations that must be followed when shipping ex-military vehicles out of the country. If the vehicle is not classified as a weapon or ammunition, then an open general export licence is required, specifically a Military Goods OGEL.
An OGEL allows for the shipment of non-controlled goods to destinations outside of the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries.
The OGEL application process can be done online through the SPIRE online licensing system. The first step in obtaining an OGEL is to visit the SPIRE website and create an account. Once you have registered, you can begin the application process by filling out the necessary forms and paying the £318 fee.
It’s important to note that it may take up to 20 working days for your OGEL application to be processed.
Check out the GOV.UK guide on using SPIRE to get an export licence for further guidance.
There are various types of OGELs for military vehicles, such as for surplus vehicles, exhibit/demonstration vehicles and so on. To find out which OGEL you’ll need, you can use the OGEL checker. In order to use this checker you’ll need to know the Control list reference/rating for your vehicle.
For information on the Control list and how to determine the rating of your vehicle if you don’t already know it, please see the GOV.UK guidance here.
After appying for and receiving your OGEL number, you must include it in the registration process with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). This ensures that your vehicle is legally allowed to leave UK soil without any issues.
It’s important to note that there are certain restrictions on where you can ship your ex-military vehicle with an Open General Export Licence. You cannot ship your vehicle to any destination that is subject to an arms embargo or under EU sanctions.
Standard Individual Export Licence for Ex-Military Vehicles in the UK
If your ex-military vehicle is classified as a weapon or ammunition, then you will need a standard individual export licence before it can be shipped out of the UK. This type of license covers controlled goods that are subject to international trade controls such as military vehicles, firearms, and ammunition.
To obtain this license, you must again submit an application using SPIRE, submitting supporting documents such as end-user certificates and proof of ownership. The application process can take several weeks to several months depending on the complexity of your case. Please see above for more information and guidance on how to apply.
It’s important to note that if you plan on exporting multiple ex-military vehicles classified as weapons or ammunition, then you may want to consider applying for an Open Individual Export Licence instead. This type of license allows for multiple shipments over a specified period without having to apply for individual licences each time.
Tips for Successful Shipping of Ex-Military Vehicles
Planning Ahead
Businesses and individuals who need to ship ex-military vehicles should plan ahead when applying for an export license. This process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the type of licence required, the complexity of the application and the backlog of requests at the DIT.
If you deliver your vehicle to the port for shipping before the export license application has been completed it is likely that your vehicle will be seized. This ensures that is it not shipped without the relevant export licensing in place. You may be able to retrospectively apply for the export licence, but this may lead to increased costs such as storage and impound fees, being applied.
Planning ahead ensures that you have all of the necessary documentation and licensing in place and your vehicle should then be released to ship on the next available vessel without being seized by the authorities.
Meeting Import Regulations for Ex-Military Vehicles
Before shipping an ex-military vehicle from the UK, it is essential to ensure that it meets the import regulations of the destination country. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in delays, fines, or even seizure of the vehicle. Therefore, it is crucial to research and understand the specific requirements for importing military vehicles into your target country.
To start with, check if there are any restrictions on importing ex-military vehicles in your destination country. For instance, some countries may prohibit the importation of vehicles that were previously used in combat zones or those that have been modified for military purposes. Also, ensure that you have all necessary documentation such as customs clearance and import permits before shipping the vehicle.
Choosing a Reputable Shipping Company
When selecting a shipping company to transport your ex-military vehicle overseas, it is vital to choose one with experience in handling military equipment. A reputable shipping company, such as Autoshippers, will also provide guidance on specific requirements for importing military vehicles into different countries.
It’s important to provide accurate and detailed information about the vehicle to avoid delays or issues during customs clearance. This includes providing correct documentation such as bill of lading and commercial invoice documents. It also includes disclosing any modifications made to the vehicle while serving in active duty.
Staying Up-to-Date with Regulations
Regulations are subject to change frequently; therefore, it’s important to stay up-to-date by regularly checking government websites for updates on export and import regulations related to ex-military vehicles. This helps you avoid potential problems when trying to pass through customs clearance.
Working with a reputable shipping company can help you navigate these changes more easily since they typically stay informed about changes in international trade laws and regulations.
Shipping an ex-military vehicle from the UK requires attention-to-detail and compliance with various import regulations depending on your destination country’s laws.
Shipping Your Ex-Military Vehicle from the UK: Other Considerations
Shipping an ex-military vehicle from the UK can be tricky, but with the right preparation and help from an experienced UK vehicle shipping company such as ourselves, it can be a smooth process.
If you plan to ship an ex-military vehicle from the UK, export licensing is a requirement, and as previously mentioned, there are different types of export licenses available in the UK. It is essential to obtain the necessary Export License for the type of vehicle you wish to ship.
Cost and time considerations are also an important factor when shipping an ex-military vehicle from the UK. The cost varies depending on the destination country, size of the vehicle, and mode of transportation (Shipping by Sea using Roll-on Roll-off or Container Shipping, or Air Freight for faster, yet more expensive transport).
For an estimate to ship your vehicle, please request a free quote on our website. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours with everything you need to know.
Autoshippers: Your Go-to Experts for Shipping Ex-Military Vehicles
Autoshippers is a leading player in the car shipping industry with a wealth of experience in shipping all types of vehicles to and from the UK. We provide comprehensive vehicle shipping solutions to cater to your needs. Our services include Ro/Ro and dedicated shipping container options, ensuring that your vehicle is transported safely and efficiently.
When it comes to shipping your ex-military vehicle from the UK, we’re the perfect choice. At Autoshippers, we pride ourselves on our team of experts who are committed to delivering a top-quality service and ensuring that your vehicle arrives at its destination in the best possible condition. Rest assured that your ex-military vehicle is in safe hands with us.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and receive a personalized quote for your specific needs. You can reach us by phone at +44 117 982 8123 / 0800 389 0784 or fill out our quotation form and we’ll promptly provide you with all the necessary information and costs. Don’t hesitate, get in touch with Autoshippers today.
