Criminal Aspects of Foreign-Trade Law

Even in an increasingly globalized cross-border economy, there are still restrictions on certain goods. In these areas, the export business involves not only commercial risks but potential criminal liability.

Export restrictions relating to certain goods or certain nations may be contained in laws at the German federal level, the EU level, or the UN level. Violations of these restrictions may be punished with severe penalties by the Foreign Trade Law or the Military Weapons Law.

Our focus in this area is preventive consultation with persons or firms who trade in strategic goods, especially so-called dual-use items. We also counsel firms or persons who do business with countries which are subject to embargos or sanctions. We keep up with relevant national and international regulations and thereby give our clients the security of knowing they are operating within the law.