Simple Guide: Export Control (Amendment) Regulation 2025
What is this? The UK government has updated the rules for exporting sensitive goods. When does it start? The first set of rules is active now (as of May 2025).
Who is this for? Anyone exporting electronics, software, aerospace parts, or military items.
The Big Warning: Mistakes Are Now More Expensive - The most important
change is not about technology, but about money.
What changed? The government has increased the maximum fine for "routine" mistakes.
What does "routine" mean? Previously, big fines were mostly for people caught smuggling. Now, the penalty for administrative errors (like using the wrong license code, keeping bad records, or a filing typo) has gone up significantly (from Level 3 to Level 4).
Bottom Line: Sloppy paperwork is now a much bigger financial risk. You cannot afford to "guess" the classification code.
What Products Are Affected? If you make or sell any of the following, the rules for you have likely changed.
A. Super-Fast Computer Chips
What’s Change: There is a new "speed limit" for microchips. If your chip is faster than this limit, you need a special license to export it.
The Formula: We now measure this speed using a new math formula called Total Processing Performance (TPP).
The Magic Number: If the TPP score is 6,000 or higher, it is a controlled item.
Note to Engineers: The formula involves multiplying MacTOPS by bit-length, Calculation: TPP = 2 x MacTOPS x bitlength (aggregated).
B. Space & Satellites
What’s Changed? The government changed the definition of "Spacecraft."
The Good News: If your vehicle is not designed to go into orbit (for example, a Mars Rover, a lander, or a sub-orbital rocket), it might no longer count as a "Spacecraft." This could make exporting these easier.
The Detail: If you make Navigation or Engine parts, the term "Payloads" has been renamed to "Mission Equipment." Update your manuals.
C. Software & AI
What’s Changed? The rules for "Technology" now legally include "Algorithms."
What this means: If you export software that uses complex math (algorithms) to make hardware work better, that software might require a license even if you aren't shipping any physical goods.
The "Double Update" (Watch Out for December) 2025 is a tricky year for exporting sector because the rules change twice.
Now (May 2025): The changes listed above are live.
Coming Later (December 16, 2025): A second update happens.
Emerging Tech: Some temporary UK-only controls on new tech will be removed and replaced with international standard rules (called "500-series" entries).
Torture Goods: New items (like specific types of batons and restraints) will be banned or strictly controlled.
Recommendation: Don't relax after checking your compliance now. You’ll have to do it again in December.
Simple Checklist: What to Do Next - If you want to be safe, do these four things immediately:
Check your Chips: Ask your engineers: "Do any of our chips score over 6,000 TPP?"
Check your Space Gear: If you export rovers or sub-orbital craft, verify if you still need a full "spacecraft" license. You might not.
Update your Training: Tell your shipping team: "The fines for typos just went up. Double-check every form."
Mark Your Calendar: Set a reminder for December 1st to prepare for the second wave of rule changes.
Author: Manmeet Lotay - Global Sanctions Advisor - Ferrer Consultancy Services