VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Exports: Digital Technology

Asked by Andrew GriffithConservativeDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 23 January 2025UIN 19430

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support the transition from SPIRE to LITE in relation to licence applications made to the Export Control Joint Unit.

Answered by Mr Douglas Alexander

The ‘apply for a SIEL’ service (Single Individual Export Licence) was launched on gov.uk on 17 September 2024, the first licence type introduced on our new export control platform, LITE.

To ease the transition for exporters, a suite of training videos, webinars, and frequently asked questions are available online. Live demonstrations are provided, supported by regular engagement with trade associations.

A dedicated helpline offers practical support, and users can flag technical issues.

Approximately 70% of SIEL applications are submitted via LITE, up from 33% in June, 2024. Reducing processing times for all applications remains a priority of ECJU.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim