Source · Select Committees · Committees on Arms Export Controls
Recommendation 28
28
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 85
We do not envisage a UK post-shipment system as replacing the need for stringent checks...
Conclusion
We do not envisage a UK post-shipment system as replacing the need for stringent checks and robust application of the licensing criteria at the application stage. Rather such a system should be seen as complementary to the pre-licence checks and equally important as even with the best pre-licence systems, there will be cases where diversion occurs and exported items are obtained by illicit end-users after their export.
Government Response Summary
The government recognizes the value of post-shipment verification as a complement to pre-licensing checks and is continuing to explore how it might undertake PSV activity in the future and will provide an update to the Committees as soon as it is in a position to do so.
Paragraph Reference:
85
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.