Administrative & Regulatory Law · European Union
Keep Your Business on the Right Side of Trade Compliance Rules
Export controls, sanctions and customs rules change constantly, and a single misstep can block a shipment, trigger a fine or expose directors to liability. We match you, free of charge, with a lawyer who handles trade compliance for businesses operating in and across Europe every day.
- Export controls & sanctions expertise
- Lawyers across the EU & EEA
- No fee to get matched
No commitment. No hidden fees.
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Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Who this is for
For importers, exporters and anyone moving goods, software or technology across borders
Trade compliance is the collection of rules that determine what goods, technology and services you may move across borders, to whom, and on what terms. It spans export controls and licensing, sanctions and embargoes, customs classification and valuation, dual-use items, and origin and anti-boycott requirements. Because these rules are set partly at EU level and partly by individual member states — and because they change frequently — a business can easily fall out of step. A misclassified product, a shipment to a restricted party or a missing licence can block consignments at the border, trigger penalties and, in serious cases, expose directors personally. Whether you are launching exports, onboarding overseas customers or auditing existing processes, getting the rules right matters before something goes wrong — and a specialist can show you exactly where you stand.
Why businesses get stuck
Trade compliance failures rarely come from bad intentions.
They come from outdated rules and blind spots.
Controls and sanctions shift often, and what was compliant last quarter may not be compliant today.
Unclear export classifications
Determining whether a product is dual-use, and which export control list or licence it falls under, is genuinely difficult. A wrong classification can ship controlled technology without authorisation — an offence even when no harm was intended.
Sanctions and restricted parties
Trading with an entity that is newly sanctioned, or that is linked to one, can happen through a supply chain you cannot see. Screening gaps and delayed updates leave businesses exposed to penalties they never anticipated.
Customs errors and audits
Incorrect tariff codes, origin declarations or valuations routinely trigger customs holds, back-duties and audits. Once an authority opens a review, correcting past filings becomes far harder than getting them right the first time.
What you get
A trade compliance lawyer who keeps your operations lawful
We only match you with regulatory lawyers who handle export controls, sanctions and customs matters regularly.
Classification & licensing
Your lawyer confirms the correct export control classification and licence position for your products, software or technology, so you know exactly what you may ship and what needs prior authorisation before it leaves the warehouse.
Sanctions & screening
Get a practical review of your customer and supplier screening against current sanctions lists, plus clear guidance on restricted parties, re-exports and end-use concerns across the jurisdictions you trade with.
Customs & origin
Correct tariff classification, valuation and rules of origin for every shipment — protecting you from border delays, back-duties and disputes with customs authorities across the EU.
Compliance programmes
A documented, defensible trade compliance framework — policies, training and internal controls that show regulators you take your obligations seriously and materially reduce the risk of penalties.
Coverage
Trade compliance lawyers across Europe
Trade rules are set at both EU and national level, so the right lawyer understands the interaction between EU regulations and the specific member states you trade with. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Trade compliance — common questions
What is trade compliance?
Trade compliance is the set of rules governing what goods, technology and services a business may import or export, to whom, and under what conditions. It covers export controls, sanctions, customs classification, origin and anti-boycott requirements. The rules come from EU law, national law and international agreements, and they change frequently.
Do small businesses need to worry about export controls?
Yes. Export controls and sanctions apply to businesses of every size, not just large exporters. Sending controlled technology, dual-use items or goods to a restricted destination can be an offence regardless of turnover. A lawyer can confirm whether your specific products or software are controlled and what that means in practice.
What are dual-use items?
Dual-use items are goods, software and technology designed for civilian use that can also serve military purposes. They are subject to specific EU export controls and often require a licence before export. Determining whether your product qualifies is a technical task best reviewed by a specialist.
What happens if I breach trade rules?
Consequences vary by country and by the seriousness of the breach, and can include blocked shipments, fines, loss of export privileges and, in serious cases, criminal liability for individuals. The exact exposure depends on the jurisdiction and the specific rules involved, so a lawyer should assess your situation directly.
How can a lawyer help with sanctions screening?
A lawyer can review whether your screening processes are adequate and current, help you interpret results when a match appears, and advise whether a transaction with a particular party is lawful. This reduces the risk of an inadvertent breach through indirect supply chains.
What is a trade compliance programme?
A compliance programme is a documented set of policies, procedures, training and internal controls that help a business identify and manage its trade obligations. Having one in place can demonstrate good faith to regulators and materially reduce the consequences if something does go wrong.
Free case review
Don’t let a compliance gap cost you a shipment
Tell us what you import, export or develop, and we’ll connect you with a trade compliance lawyer who works with businesses like yours — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.