Source · Select Committees · Committees on Arms Export Controls
Recommendation 27
27
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 84
Despite the Government undertaking to examine the possibility of establishing a system of post-shipment verification...
Recommendation
Despite the Government undertaking to examine the possibility of establishing a system of post-shipment verification for UK exports, no progress appears to have been made. While we fully understand the pressures of, and the need to respond Developments in UK Strategic Export Controls 47 urgently to, the Covid pandemic, the lack of progress on this matter is disappointing given the concerns expressed to us in evidence regarding the inadequacy of some end-user assurance documentation and the risks posed by diversion. We see no reason why the Government should not recommence its discussions with the German authorities and seek to reinstate the aborted talks with US authorities on post-shipment verification.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the value of post-shipment verification and is continuing to explore how it might undertake PSV activity in the future, promising an update when available.
Paragraph Reference:
84
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government notes the Committees’ recommendation and welcomes the opportunity to respond. We recognise the value of post-shipment verification (PSV) as a complement to pre-licensing checks, and as a means of providing assurance that licensed items are being used for the intended purpose and by the intended end-user. We also understand the Committees’ concerns regarding end-user documentation. The Government has been carefully considering PSV, particularly in the context of our resources. We want to ensure that any activity undertaken would deliver tangible benefits without duplicating existing processes or undermining the wider export control system. We are continuing to explore how we might undertake PSV activity in future. We will provide an update to the Committees as soon as we are in a position to do so.