A call for evidence about establishing a new register of arms brokers is published today (17 April 2014) by Vince Cable.

Consultation on pre-licensing register of arms brokers: call for evidence

The document seeks views on whether there is a need for tougher regulation of arms exports.

The UK aims to operate 1 of the most rigorous and transparent arms export control systems in the world. British companies must obtain a government licence before exporting any military goods.

A register of arms brokers would be an additional, pre-licensing requirement. Under the proposals set out today (17 April 2014), all brokers would have to be registered before they could apply for an export licence.

The Business Secretary made a commitment in December 2013 to consider a register of arms brokers in response to a long-standing request from the Committees on Arms Export Controls (CAEC).

Business Secretary Vince Cable said:

“In the uncertain world we live in, government has a responsibility to ensure military exports are robustly controlled. The UK already has 1 of the toughest export control systems in the world. But it is right to consider whether it can be strengthened yet further as part of our aim to make Britain 1 of the most open and trusted places to do business.

“So today (17 April 2014) we are launching a call for evidence to take a fresh look at the case for and against a register of arms brokers. Introducing a public register could help increase both transparency and accountability, so I am keen to hear views on all sides of the argument.”

Arms brokers arrange or facilitate the movement of military goods between countries. A public register would include the names of all those licensed to carry out brokering activities. It could also allow for an assessment of suitability and possible requirements to attend training courses.

There are approximately 450 trade control licence holders registered on the government’s licensing database.

If the government decides to bring forward formal plans to strengthen the regulation of arms exports, there will be further consultations on the detail of those proposals.

The call for evidence will close at the end of May 2014 and the government will publish its response later in the year (2014).

Under the current UK export control systems, each licence application is fully assessed against stringent internationally-recognised criteria taking into account all relevant information available at the time.

A licence would not be granted if it would breach any of the criteria. However it must be recognised export controls do not, and should not, place unnecessary burdens on legitimate international trade.