Restrictions on investment and export controls are a usual international legal instrument to protect security interests of the relevant economic area. Investments in industries with strategic significance such as the defence industry can be restricted or prevented. The purpose of the rules is to ensure international peace and to prevent terrorism. Regulatory instruments are the Foreign Trade Act of each country or supra-national organisation such as the EU, customs statutes and international conventions and embargo lists. The latter contain persons and organisations with whom only limited trade may be conducted.

For companies, it becomes difficult if they produce or sell dual-use goods such as machines, software and technology which may be used both for civil and military purposes. The borders are fluid, but the penalties for infringements can be drastic. We advise companies on all questions of foreign trade and investment restrictions.

• Negotiations of customs agreement with governments and authorities (e. g in Russia)
• Obtaining of official import and export permits for goods, services, capital or payments
• Drafting of contracts in conformity with foreign trade law
• Foreign trade law compliance and implementation
• Penalty and criminal proceedings due to infringement of foreign trade law
• Customs procedures and customs penalty procedures