On 23 October 2026, the UK’s Export Control Joint Unit announced proposed changes to the country’s strategic export controls, with the regulations expected in early December. The amendments will revise the military and dual-use control lists to reflect the 2025 reviews of the multilateral regimes, tightening controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment, advanced computing, and specialised materials. They will also move Haiti and the Central African Republic between the schedules that govern transit controls, and revoke General Export Authorisation No. 001 in Great Britain, though not in Northern Ireland. Exporters registered for GEA001 when the regulations take effect may continue to rely on it until 1 April 2027, after which the Dual-Use Open General Export Licence becomes the route for the destinations it covered. With the UK text still outstanding and ECJU’s classification advice service paused since 12 October, exporters have limited time to assess their position. This alert examines the proposed list changes, the Haiti and Central African Republic reclassifications, the move from GEA001 to the OGEL, and the steps businesses should take moving forward.
