The Export Group for Aerospace, Defence & Dual Use (EGADD) was founded in September 2004, focusing exclusively on all aspects of export and trade control matters. EGADD is the only dedicated national industrial body in the UK dealing exclusively with export control issues. On Wednesday 5 November 2025, the EGADD Annual Main Meeting took place in London.
The EGADD Executive Committee had been considering rebranding the event as “Trade Compliance During a Time of Unpredictability”, and there were also discussions about promoting it as an “Industry/Regulator Trade Controls Dialogue.” The event truly lived up to expectations. The high level of interaction and the number of open forum questions for the speakers caused the schedule to overrun.
Delegates included representatives from industry, regulators, and numerous UK government officials. The event covered a wide range of topics and featured thought-provoking, insightful queries, all under the Chatham House Rule.
Among the highlights, the Department for Business & Trade’s Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) was strongly represented, particularly on policy and LITE development. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office also contributed, addressing diplomatic issues related to export and trade controls. The European Union perspective was not overlooked, with Sidley Austin LLP presenting the latest developments from across the EU.
A key message reiterated from the ECJU’s own Annual Symposium on 15 October 2025 was its commitment to engaging with industry to identify safe ways to further expand the UK’s Open General Licensing system. The ECJU confirmed its intention to work closely with EGADD on this initiative.
This meeting marked the final event chaired by Spencer Chilvers, Head of Export Control Policy at Rolls-Royce and Chair of EGADD since June 2018. Spencer formally announced his retirement at the end of the year, and attendees expressed their gratitude for his outstanding contributions to EGADD and the wider industry over the past seven-plus years.
To get involved with EGADD, please contact brinley.salzmann@adsgroup.org.uk.
