As an integral part of the UK government’s 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, the Export Control Joint Unit began operating on 18 July. The ECJU brings together staff and resources from the Export Control organisation, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence to promote global security through strategic export controls and facilitate responsible exports. The UK’s export licensing process, including the issuance of MOD Form 680 for approval to release classified information and equipment to foreign entities, will remain unchanged. Exporters are advised to continue using the SPIRE online export licensing system. On the other hand, the decision to grant or refuse an export licence in any individual case has become the responsibility of the Secretary of State of the newly formed Department for International Trade headed Secretary of State Liam Fox.