UNCLASSIFIED

4 March 2010

2 King Charles Street

London

SW1A 2AH

Tel: 0207 008 2140

Fax: 0207 008 2984

E-mail:

P John

By email:

Ref: 0141-10

Dear P John

Freedom of Information Request – Supply of Civilian Airlines to Iran

I am writing in reply to your Freedom of Information request of 9 February 2010, for information held by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) relating to the supply of civilian airlines to Iran. You asked:

  • what treaties/embargoes/restrictions presently apply to UK companies that supply civilian airlines to Iran?
  • when were those restrictions introduced?
  • what penalties apply to UK companies, and their Directors, who supply civilian aircraft to Iran in contravention of those restrictions?

An export licence is required to export Iran civilian aircraft, lighter-than-air vehicles and steerable parachutes, and related equipment, components and technology as specified in entry PL9009 of Schedule 3 of the Export Control Order 2008.

The controls have changed over the years, both in terms of goods and destinations, so it is difficult to give a precise response. However, controls on civil aircraft have been around since at least 1985 (and probably much earlier although we haven’t checked legislation before this date) although the entry numbering,scope and destinations covered have changed. Control entry number PL9009 was first introduced under the Exportof Goods, Transfer of Technology and Provision of Technical Assistance (Control) Order 2003 which entered into force on 1stMay2004.

Any penalties imposed on UK companies, and/or their Directors, who supply civilian aircraft to Iran in contravention of those restrictions, would be subject to decision by the courts. However the maximum penalty for knowingly exporting controlled goods with intent to evade the controls is a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine, or both.

You may find the following websites provide additional information to the above.

Please contact me if you have any queries about this letter, quoting the reference number above in any future communications.

If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your request and wish to make a complaint, or request a review of our decision you should write to me at the above address. You have 40 working days to do so.

If you are not content with the outcome of that internal review, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted the complaint procedure provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.The Information Commissioner can be contacted at:

The Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF

Yours sincerely

Stephanie Bah

Stephanie Bah

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UNCLASSIFIED