Defence Export Controls (DEC) has retired the Australian General Licence (AUSGEL) permit type as part of ongoing work to strengthen Australia’s export controls framework.
From 13 February 2026, DEC will no longer accept new AUSGEL applications, renewals or amendments.
The decision was made following a public consultation process in November 2025 with extant AUSGEL permit holders.
AUSGEL permits were originally designed to support low risk exports of Defence Strategic Goods List (DSGL) items. However, over the past five years, according to DEC, there has been a rapid decline in the use of AUSGELS in part due to the passage of the Defence Trade Controls Amendment Act (2024) which improved the speed and scale of exports to the US and United Kingdom.
Last year, DEC issued two AUSGELS and since 2020, AUSGELS have made up less than one percent of DEC permit applications.
Over the coming months, DEC will progressively phase out active AUSGEL permits, beginning with those covering destinations subject to United Nations Security Council or Australian autonomous sanctions.
DEC will contact affected permit holders individually with next steps and support them as they transition on to a new permit.
Permit holders may apply for alternative permit types at any time. Including the AUSGEL permit number in the application will help facilitate priority processing.
For further information or assistance, please contact Defence Export Controls on 1800 DEFENCE or visit the DEC webpage.