Export controls and sanctions screening
Export controls restrict what may be sent to whom, and for what end use. Sanctions add restrictions on parties, sectors and destinations. Both apply to intangible transfers as well as physical shipments, and both change frequently.
This service is delivered by TCSA, subject to confirmation of scope, location and availability.
What this covers
Exporters of dual-use or controlled goods, businesses screening customers and end users, and organisations establishing controls procedures for the first time.
Classification against control lists
Whether the goods, software or technology are controlled, and under which entries.
End-user and end-use review
Red flags, end-user statements and the due diligence expected before an export proceeds.
Screening procedures
How to screen parties against the applicable lists, and how to record the results.
Licence requirements
Whether a licence is needed, which one, and what the application involves.
Who performs the work: TCSA delivers this work directly, applying the control lists and sanctions measures in force at the date of the enquiry.
Limits: We do not provide legal advice on criminal liability and cannot make an export lawful where it is prohibited. Where a licence is refused, the export cannot proceed.
How membership and accreditation differInformation to have ready
None of this is required to send an enquiry. It helps us confirm the appropriate route and the scope faster.
- Goods, software or technology involved
- Destination country and end user
- Stated end use
- Technical specifications or datasheets
- Whether a licence is already held
- Markets of export
What happens next
The same four steps apply whatever the service. Timings are agreed with you rather than promised up front.
- 01
Classification
The item is tested against the control lists that apply.
- 02
Party review
End user, intermediate consignee and end use are reviewed against the measures in force.
- 03
Route
We confirm whether the export can proceed, needs a licence, or is prohibited.
- 04
Procedure
Screening and record-keeping procedures are put in place so future decisions are consistent.
What affects the price
Charges depend on the number of items to be classified and the complexity of the end-use review. Standing screening procedures are quoted as a separate project.
Submitting the enquiry is free. The service itself is quoted before any work begins.
TCSA sets the rates for the work it delivers itself.
Where this is available
Delivered across all eight TCSA markets, with the measures that apply confirmed per jurisdiction.
Availability on a specific lane, site or regime is confirmed during review.
Who handles the work
Reviews are carried out by staff who work with the control lists and the sanctions measures in force, and the basis of each conclusion is recorded.
Membership of TCSA is not a statutory licence, and neither membership nor accreditation guarantees the performance of any provider. Scope and charges are agreed with you before work begins.
Questions about this service
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The process
How an enquiry works
Find customs, freight and trade services through TCSA. Tell us what you need and we will review your enquiry, connect you with suitable member providers, or confirm whether TCSA can deliver the service directly. Submitting an enquiry does not book work or accept a quotation, and does not guarantee that a provider is available.
- 01
Choose a service and tell us what you need
Pick the service that fits and describe the requirement. It takes a couple of minutes.
- 02
TCSA reviews the requirement
We confirm the appropriate next step: a member provider, a TCSA-delivered service, or a managed sourcing process.
- 03
The agreed route responds
Suitable member providers or the TCSA team respond according to the route you agreed to.
- 04
You decide whether to proceed
Review the scope, the provider and the pricing before committing to anything.
Membership
What members get on services
You do not need to be a member to enquire. Membership changes the rate you pay and the way opportunities are routed to you as a provider.
For buyers
- Preferential rates on eligible services, confirmed with your quotation.
- Eligibility checked against your membership record, not a self-declaration.
- One enquiry route covering customs, freight, compliance and inspections.
For member providers
- Enquiries matched to your stated services, countries and language capability.
- Only enquiries you are assigned to are visible to you, in the Member Portal.
- Your details are shared only where the customer has permitted it.
Buying a service has no bearing on accreditation. Accreditation is assessed separately against published criteria.