Applying for an export licence
In order to apply for an export licence or authorisation, you must first register via our online export licence system OELAS.
Details on how to register on OELAS is available at the following link: Registration on OELAS – New User
Paper forms for licence applications
Applications should be submitted electronically via OELAS. Manual/paper Application forms will be accepted in exceptional circumstances only. Due to the additional administration required, manual / paper applications take longer to process.
Decisions regarding applications
OELAS modifiers (people registered to use OELAS) will receive an automatic message by email if their application is approved and issued. Companies that are unsuccessful in obtaining an export licence will be notified in writing of the decision and will be provided with a reason for the decision.
How to withdraw/cancel an application
Licence applications can be withdrawn by simply notifying the Trade Licensing and Control Unit in writing via exportcontrol@enterprise.gov.ie.
Making changes to an application once submitted
You have some limited ability to change minor elements of the application prior to the Trade Licensing and Control Unit making a decision on your application. Minor changes should be sent in writing to exportcontrol@enterprise.gov.ie. Should these changes be permitted, the Trade Licensing and Control Unit will reopen your licence application as a draft to permit the exporter to make the required changes to the application form. Once these changes have been made, the exporter can simply resubmit the licence application for approval.
How long does it take to process an export licence application?
We aim to issue export licences within 20 working days. However, every effort is made to expedite export licence applications. Where the end use destination and/or the equipment to be exported are sensitive, complex or contentious, processing can take considerably longer.
Cost/fee associated with applying for an export licence
There is no fee associated with applying for an export licence.
Applying for a dual-use export licence
Applications must be completed on-line via OELAS. In most cases, an end-use certificate will be required as part of the export licence. Circumstances where EUC’s are required without exception include:
- Potential exports to EU sanctioned countries (view the list of countries)
- Potential exports of military and dual-use products to military/security related end-users.
- Exports of military goods that fall within the scope of the most recent version of the EU Common Military List.
All export licence applications are thoroughly examined. In some cases, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is consulted on the application. If an application is refused, an exporter may appeal. Any appeal should be lodged with the Licensing Unit within 28 days of the refusal, together with any information that was not available to the Licensing Unit when the original decision was made. The appeal will be assessed in the context of the new information provided.
Applying for a global export licence
Global export licences provide exporters with more administrative flexibility than individual export licences. They can be used to cover shipments of goods and technology listed on the licence to the countries of destination listed on the licence.
These types of licences are a common feature of all export licensing regimes, and are useful for companies that have a high volume of relatively low risk exports to a certain group of countries. In such cases, multiple license applications would impose a very serious administrative burden on the company. However, they are only issued following a rigorous risk assessment of the goods and countries concerned and of the previous licensing and compliance history of the exporter and are subject to strict conditions of use.
The validity period for these licences range from 6 to 12 months. Exporters in receipt of this type of licence are required to adhere to a set of conditions as well as providing the Department with reports outlining details of all exports that have taken place within the validity period of the licence.
Global licences are subject to reporting requirements. The reports should include the following details:
- Control list number
- Quantity and value of product exported
- Name and address of consignee – the country of destination must be included as a separate field
- Name and address of end-user – the country of destination must be included as a separate field
- Licence Number
- Date of Export
Applying for a military export licence
Applications must be completed on-line via OELAS. All export licence applications are thoroughly examined and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is consulted. An end-use certificate (EUC) must be submitted with all military export licence applications. International import certificates are accepted for exports destined for another EU Member State.
Information on applying for a firearm (ML1) licence is available at the following link: Controlled Products
Brokering Activities Licence
The Control of Exports (Brokering Activities, Goods and Technology) Regulations 2021 impose a licensing requirement on negotiating or arranging transactions involving the transfer of items on the EU Common Military List from one third country to another third country.
If you have a query in relation to brokering licences, please contact the Trade Licensing and Control Unit at exportcontrol@enterprise.gov.ie.
Global Transfer Licence - Directive 2009/43/EC
The purpose of the Global Transfer Licence Directive 2009/43/EC is to simplify the terms and conditions of transfers of defence-related products within the Community.
The purpose of the Global transfer licence is to facilitate the transfer of defence-related products between companies in EU Member States.
If you have a query in relation to the aforementioned licences, please contact the Licensing Unit at the following email address: exportcontrol@enterprise.gov.ie
Applying for licensing under the Torture Regulations
If you have a query in relation to the aforementioned licences, please contact the Licensing Unit at the following email address: exportcontrol@enterprise.gov.ie
Suspension and revocation
The Licensing Unit, may annul, suspend, modify or revoke a dual-use export authorisation which has already been granted.
Appeals procedure
A statutory right of appeal is provided for in the Control of Exports (Appeals) Regulations 2018 (SI No 457 of 2018). If you have been notified of a decision to refuse to grant or to revoke a licence, you may appeal the decision by writing to the Department at the address provided below within 28 working days of the date of the decision. You must set out the grounds for appeal, and may include any relevant information that was not available at the time of the initial application. The appeal will be considered by an officer who was not involved in the original decision to deny or revoke the export licence, and who is of equivalent or more senior grade to the officer who made the original decision. The original decision remains in force until the appeal has been decided. You will be notified in writing of the outcome of the appeal.
Appeals should be sent to:
Trade Licencing and Control Unit,
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment,
Earlsfort Centre,
Lower Hatch Street,
Dublin 2,
D02 PW01