26 Accepted

The lifting of export control restrictions under AUKUS is a significant achievement for the partnership.

Conclusion
The lifting of export control restrictions under AUKUS is a significant achievement for the partnership. It has the potential to bring immense benefits across UK defence. However, that potential will only be realised if Government removes barriers to participation and raises awareness across industry, encouraging businesses—including those which may not consider themselves to be traditional defence suppliers—to make the most of the opportunity presented. (Conclusion, Paragraph 120)
Government Response Summary
The government highlights its active support for industry, including SMEs, to join the Authorised User Community, citing 404 registered entities and 18 outreach events by the International Export Controls team. It also mentions providing 1-2-1 guidance and successful processing of recent export licenses within standard timelines.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government Accepted
The reforms to trilateral export controls secured in 2024 were a historic breakthrough in enabling the AUKUS partners to work more closely together to develop next-generation technologies and the UK is committed to making the most of this opportunity. The Government has been actively supporting industry partners to join the Authorised User Community, with 404 entities currently registered. The International Export Controls (IEC) team has been actively engaging with the SME community, primarily through the UK Defence Exports (UKDE) SME conferences. Since November the IEC team has conducted 18 events (e.g. conferences and webinars) specifically directed towards SMEs. Additionally, the team regularly engages with SMEs to address specific issues through 1–2–1 guidance and advise sessions. The Ministry of Defence Export Control Joint Unit is part of the Department for Business and Trade’s Export Controls Joint Unit, which continually monitors and prioritises export license applications as required. Industry partners have recently successfully applied for a number of licenses that have been processed well within standard timelines. Pillar II – Delivery
Source
Committee Defence Committee
Inquiry AUKUS
Report 8th Report - AUKUS 28 Apr 2026 HC 841
View on Parliament website
Addressee Bodies
Ministry of Defence
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.3 yrs
Report published 28 Apr 2026