A critical regulatory update has arrived for French trade compliance professionals managing defence-related supply chains. As of 9 September 2026, the United Kingdom has officially activated a new Open General Export Licence (OGEL) specifically designed to facilitate the transfer of military goods, software, and technology to France, Germany, and Spain. This move is a direct implementation of the Agreement on Defence Export Controls, a multilateral framework aimed at reducing administrative friction for high-value defence partnerships.
For customs brokers and freight forwarders operating within the Douanes françaises environment, the core of this change lies in the application of the 20% de minimis provision. Under this new licence, UK-origin items incorporated into a final system are eligible for streamlined export procedures provided their value does not exceed 20% of the total system value. This threshold is a vital metric for companies managing complex, multi-jurisdictional manufacturing projects where UK components are integrated into French-led defence systems.
The introduction of this licence follows a period of heightened scrutiny regarding dual-use and military exports across Europe. While the Douanes françaises continues to enforce rigorous oversight on all strategic goods, this specific UK-France corridor now benefits from a more predictable regulatory pathway. It is essential to note that while this licence simplifies the export process, it does not exempt exporters from the fundamental requirement of accurate classification and end-user verification. The burden of proof regarding the 20% value threshold remains firmly with the exporter.
What this means for you
- Audit your Bill of Materials: Immediately review current projects involving UK-origin components to determine if they qualify for the 20% de minimis threshold under the new OGEL.
- Update Compliance Manuals: Ensure your internal export control procedures reflect the registration requirements for this specific UK licence, as reliance on previous general authorizations may no longer be sufficient.
- Verify Documentation: Coordinate with your UK suppliers to obtain formal declarations confirming the value of UK-origin content, ensuring these documents are ready for presentation to the Douanes françaises during customs clearance.
- Monitor Dual-Use Lists: Continue to cross-reference all items against the latest EU dual-use export control lists, as the new UK licence does not supersede broader EU restrictive measures or specific sanctions regimes.
This development signals a broader trend toward harmonizing defence trade standards among key European allies. As France continues to navigate the complexities of international sanctions and export controls, the ability to leverage such multilateral agreements will be a competitive advantage for firms that prioritize proactive compliance. By integrating these new UK provisions into your standard operating procedures, you can reduce transit delays and ensure that your supply chain remains resilient in an increasingly regulated global market.