Explanatory note

This Order makes so-called “sting sticks”, and similar para-military police equipment, subject to UK export and trade controls. To that end, they are added to Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods, Transfer of Technology and Provision of Technical Assistance (Control) Order 2003 (“the 2003 Order”) and to the list of “restricted goods” in the Trade in Goods (Control) Order 2003.

There are two main Orders on trade controls, that is controls that affect the movement of goods between States other than the UK. The Trade in Goods (Control) Order 2003 has different rules for “controlled goods” and “restricted goods”, “restricted goods” being subject to the most stringent controls. These include controls on the activities of UK persons overseas. The Trade in Controlled Goods (Embargoed Destinations) Order 2004 (“the 2004 Order”) relates to movement of goods to particularly sensitive destinations. Article 2(3) of this Order puts beyond doubt that “sting sticks”, etc. are to be covered by the 2004 Order.

A full regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as minimal or no impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen.