UK Issues Guidance on Express Clearance for Ministry of Defense Form 680 Applications

The United Kingdom published a June 8 guidance regarding express clearance of the Ministry of Defense Form 680 -- a required document for entities seeking to release sensitive information or equipment to foreign entities. Noting the MOD saw an increase in express clearance requests for Form 680 applications during January through April, the guidance said MOD will consider express clearances only in "exceptional" circumstances, including humanitarian reasons, COVID-19 prevention, life-threatening situations and expedited U.K. defense initiatives. Overseas customer demands are not a valid reason to issue an expedited Form 680, it said.