# Moving files in and out
>Last modified: 21 Jan 2026
How to request to move files in and out of the UK LLC Trusted Research Environment (TRE).
Click on the YouTube link below for a short video guide (90 seconds). Alternatively, scroll down to follow the written step-by-step instructions.
[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBBjVejeHWY)
## File-ins
You may want to move files that you hold **outside** the TRE (i.e. syntax, documentation), **into** the TRE to facilitate your research. To do so, you must submit a **file-in request** through the SeRP Portal following the SeRP guidance. All file-ins are reviewed by the UK LLC Data Team within one to two working days.
**Note**: Data **can not** be filed into the TRE by researchers. If your project requires data not currently available, you should contact the UK LLC Applications Team [**(access@ukllc.ac.uk)**](mailto:access@ukllc.ac.uk) who will review each request on a case by case basis.
## File-outs
You will want to take out **analytical outputs** (e.g. tables, graphs) and **reusable research outputs** (e.g. syntax, documentation) from the TRE. Before any output is released it must be **screened** to ensure it is within the **scope** of the project, adheres to all your [**project-specific terms and conditions (Ts&Cs)**](../ukllc_key_facts/Applying/paperwork.md#3-data-owners-terms-and-conditions-tscs) and is **not disclosive**, i.e. safeguards the confidentiality of data subjects. The two categories of file outs follow different review paths as shown in figure 1.
All **analytical outputs** are reviewed independently by two members of the **SAIL Databank Statistical Disclosure Control (SDC) Team** based at Swansea University. An analytical file-out may take 7 to 10 working days to be processed depending on complexity. All **reusable research outputs** are reviewed by the **UK LLC Data Team**. A reusable research output may take up to 5 working days to be processed depending on complexity. For further information on reusable research outputs - see [**Using Git guide**.](../user_guide/TeamDataScience.md)
**Figure 1** The file-out review process for analytical outputs and reusable research outputs.
**Note**: derived data (a type of reusable research output) are not permitted to leave the TRE - see [**Using Git guide.**](../user_guide/TeamDataScience.md)
## File-out rules
It is a **critical principle** of UK LLC that only **anonymous** population level aggregate data can be **filed out** from the TRE. It is the responsibility of researchers to ensure they understand and are able to apply the principles of SDC. This is explained in the [**SDC guide**](../user_guide/SDC.md) and in the **ONS Safe Researcher Training** that all researchers complete prior to being permitted access to the UK LLC TRE.
**All researchers** agree to uphold these **principles**:
1. All outputs must comply with the project’s permissions and scope.
2. The **SDC threshold is 10 data subjects**. Unweighted counts <10 and statistics (e.g. weighted counts, percentages, means, etc.) derived from groups containing <10 data subjects must be suppressed, i.e. counts ranging from zero to nine, inclusive, are not permitted. See the [**SDC guide**](../user_guide/SDC.md) for further details.
3. All researchers must make best efforts to ensure outputs are anonymous before submitting them for file-out checks.
4. The findings of the file-out review are binding and research users must **correct any identified issues**.
**Failure to adhere to these principles may result in sanctions** (such as researchers being required to undergo renewed training).
## File-out process
To request files out of the TRE **follow the steps below**:
1. Launch ‘**Data Transfer (In-Out)**’ from the desktop within the TRE.
2. Select ‘**Request File(s) Out**’
3. Choose your files.
4. If your file-out is a **reusable research output** please tick the '**GitHub/GitLab sharing**' box.
5. Select your project number (e.g. llc_9999) from the drop down box.
6. If the reviewer has any **questions** they will email you to seek clarity.
7. If your file-out is **rejected** you will have the opportunity to make the **requested amends** and can then **resubmit**.
