Foreign trade law

The regulatory challenges companies face are constantly increasing, particularly in foreign trade law, not least against the backdrop of geopolitical conditions. We support our clients in complying with increasingly complex foreign trade law requirements.

We have extensive experience in investment control matters, advising foreign investors on foreign direct investment (FDI) control procedures Austrian companies in FDI proceedings in Austria, Europe, and other regions of the world.

In addition, we focus on export control regulations, which are becoming increasingly important in Austria. Our expertise covers both dual-use and defence goods. We advise our clients on export control requirements and authorization procedures, and also cover criminal law aspects.

We can also draw on our expertise in other areas of public commercial law (life sciences, energy law, product law, etc.), which adds significant value in the field of investment control and foreign trade law.

In addition, we provide comprehensive advice on EU sanctions. We offer practical solutions in in relation to EU sanctions and support our clients not only with compliance advice, but also in (exemption) authorization procedures and contract drafting.

With our expertise, we support our clients in customs-related matters concerning the import and export of goods and advise on related VAT questions. In addition, we assist our clients with customs inspections and represent them in proceedings before the Austrian customs office.

As a full-service law firm, we can quickly call on experts from other practice groups in case of overlaps with other areas of law, such as banking regulations, criminal law, IP/IT law, or data protection law.

Our services at a glance

• Advising foreign investors on Austrian investment control law (reviewing notification requirements, applications for clearance, support in proceedings before the competent authority BMWET, negotiating conditions, etc.)
• Advising on export control and defence goods, in particular on clarifying authorization requirements; support in authorization procedures.
• Advice on issues and problems relating to EU sanctions and embargoes, including support in (exemption) authorization procedures.
• Advice on customs-related matters and related VAT questions
• Compliance advice (e.g. in the drafting of internal guidelines and compliance systems)
• Representation before the competent authorities (including the Austrian customs office) and in criminal and administrative proceedings