Foreign trade criminal law lawyers for Berlin
MTR Legal Rechtsanwälte
Offering goods or services across national borders opens up new revenue streams – while also requiring compliance with a range of mandatory regulations. In Berlin, foreign trade law plays a central role, as even minor oversights can have far-reaching consequences. Whether it involves export controls, trade restrictions, or regulations related to the Foreign Trade and Payments Act (AWG): failure to meet obligations can result in significant fines, criminal consequences, reputational damage, and risks that in extreme cases may jeopardize the economic foundation.
For this reason, companies and private individuals frequently rely on the support of lawyers for Berlin. The lawyers at MTR Legal Rechtsanwälte are at your side with questions regarding foreign trade criminal law – from proactive risk minimization and the development of robust procedures for international business transactions to representation before authorities. In matters with cross-border connections, we work purposefully to protect your interests and develop tailored measures. This way, you can maintain focus on operational tasks while potential conflict points are identified and avoided at an early stage.
- Upper West, Kurfürstendamm 11, 10719 Berlin
- +49 30 3464 69000
- berlin@mtrlegal.com
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Competence that convinces.
Our services in foreign trade criminal law for Berlin
- Introduction to foreign trade law
- Violations of the Foreign Trade and Payments Act
- Export control and dual-use violations
- Customs criminal law and import offenses
- Defense in foreign trade violations
- Financial sanctions and embargo violations
- Compliance & Prevention in Foreign Trade Law
- Voluntary disclosures & measures leading to exemption from prosecution
- International Cooperation & Legal Assistance
Internationally represented
As a member of the international network of lawyers IR Global, we are your contact for cross-border matters and represent you in an international context as well.
Foreign trade criminal law
Anyone shipping goods cross-border, providing services, or moving capital quickly encounters foreign trade criminal law. This area covers criminal consequences related to foreign trade, payment flows, and international transactions. Especially for companies in Berlin that purchase, sell, and invest internationally, risks often arise not from intent but from details in daily business operations.
A missing checkmark in export documentation, inaccurate product classification, or incomplete information provided to customs can already trigger investigations. It becomes particularly critical when dual-use goods are exported without the appropriate permits or shipments indirectly reach sanctioned countries. Additionally, monitoring and enforcement are not conducted in isolation but in coordination with foreign authorities. This increases the pressure on companies in Berlin to document processes thoroughly and secure decisions with clear justification.
Those who act early reduce subsequent damage. The lawyers of MTR Legal Rechtsanwälte assist you in reviewing internal processes, identifying risk areas, and avoiding common pitfalls in export control. If an investigation is already underway, they assert your interests consistently and ensure structured communication with the authorities.
Violations of the Foreign Trade and Payments Act (AWG)
Anyone delivering goods across borders or providing services abroad must comply with the Foreign Trade and Payments Act (AWG). This set of regulations defines what is permitted in international trade—and it responds to violations with significant consequences. Even missing notifications or exports without the required authorization can result in substantial fines for those responsible. Additionally, custodial sanctions are possible, as well as measures that slow down processes, disrupt supply chains, and place considerable strain on ongoing operations.
For companies for clients from Berlin, it is therefore crucial to have foreign transactions examined at an early stage: from internal procedures to documentation and authorization and notification requirements. Our employment law lawyers for Berlin assist in identifying risks and aligning transactions to ensure compliance with regulations. In the event of inspections or information requests from authorities, we guide you through the review process and coordinate communication in a structured and targeted manner.
If proceedings are already underway due to alleged violations, our employment law lawyers for Berlin take on the defense. In practice, many disputes relate to authorization obligations under § 18 AWG or accusations of unauthorized exports under § 17 AWG. MTR Legal Rechtsanwälte supports companies for clients from Berlin in such situations, develops a clear strategy, and works to minimize disruptions to business operations.
Export control and dual-use violations
Companies serving international markets from Berlin and exporting goods abroad face high demands in the area of export control. Particularly sensitive are dual-use goods: products, components, or software that can be used in civilian contexts but may also be relevant in military applications. Careful procedures at this point determine whether operations run smoothly or whether even minor oversights lead to significant criminal consequences.
Our lawyers for Berlin assist companies in systematically capturing the relevant requirements and deriving clear courses of action. We examine whether your products fall under the EU Dual-Use Regulation, how a correct classification can be made, and when an export authorization is required. Based on this, we develop practical measures with you to ensure that internal processes are transparently documented, responsibilities clearly assigned, and risks minimized at an early stage.
If investigations arise due to possible violations of the Foreign Trade and Payments Act or provisions of the EU Dual-Use Regulation, our lawyers for Berlin will stand by your side. You will receive a clear assessment of the situation along with concrete recommendations for the next steps. For companies from Berlin, a reliable approach to export controls is an important component to remain operational internationally over the long term.
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Customs criminal law and import offenses
Anyone importing goods from abroad for Berlin operates in an area closely monitored by regulatory authorities. Even minor discrepancies in import declarations, duties, or documentation can prompt authorities to take a closer look. Serious allegations quickly arise—such as tax evasion, smuggling, or the illegal transfer of goods that are prohibited from import. For companies from Berlin, it is therefore worthwhile to clearly organize internal processes in cross-border trade and consistently ensure compliance before noticeable consequences occur.
MTR Legal Rechtsanwälte provides support related to customs criminal law and assists companies from the initial clarification through communication with the competent authorities. The lawyers analyze internal structures, identify typical risk areas, and prepare for inspections and audits. If criminal proceedings are initiated, our lawyers take on representation and work purposefully to strengthen your position.
It is often especially important to assess whether an act was committed intentionally or merely due to oversight—this distinction can significantly influence the further course of action. In Berlin, attention is paid to transparent procedures and clear coordination to ensure you are always informed of the status and your rights are fully protected.
Defense against foreign trade violations
An allegation of violations of foreign trade law can quickly have far-reaching consequences for both businesses and individuals in Berlin. Especially since such proceedings are often sensitive, a prompt and well-planned approach is recommended to limit risks early and protect business operations.
Our lawyers for Berlin are available to assist you from the outset: we handle communication with the relevant authorities, organize the procedure, thoroughly review files and documents, and develop a tailored strategy for your situation. Should a hearing take place, we consistently and clearly represent your interests—both before authorities and in court.
Another focus is to minimize potential side effects for your company. Our lawyers for Berlin discreetly support you in clarifying outstanding issues and, where appropriate, pursue confidential solutions outside the courtroom. This ensures stable processes, avoids unnecessary disruptions, and protects your reputation to the greatest extent possible.
Financial sanctions and embargo violations
Cross-border business activities today quickly encounter restrictions due to sanctions and embargoes. This creates significant coordination needs, especially for companies in Berlin: even minor oversights can lead to far-reaching criminal consequences—not only for the company but also for the responsible decision-makers. Compliance with these regulations is strictly monitored by institutions such as the European Union and the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA).
To prevent problematic situations from arising, our employment law lawyers for Berlin assist you in assessing potential risks in ongoing business operations. We scrutinize business relationships, compare relevant information with the most current sanctions lists, and develop concrete guidance on how planned transactions can be carried out properly. If, despite all precautions, a suspicion arises, we handle communication with the appropriate authorities, represent your interests before agencies, and advocate for you in court.
Whether restrictive measures related to Russia, an embargo connected to Iran, or other limitations: with our lawyers for Berlin, you receive support to reduce risks and ensure consistent compliance with applicable regulations.
Compliance & prevention in foreign trade law
Those engaged in international business for Berlin require clear procedures to reliably comply with foreign trade regulations. Our lawyers assist companies in establishing a robust system tailored to your business models that identifies risks in cross-border transactions at an early stage. Based on this foundation, measures can be developed to prevent conflicts and secure decision-making in daily operations.
In the next step, our lawyers carefully examine the existing workflows in your company for clients from Berlin. We identify areas where controls are lacking or responsibilities are unclear and develop practical rules precisely suited to your needs. Additionally, we establish effective review and approval processes and provide clear training to ensure your team confidently applies the new standards.
With MTR Legal for Berlin, a sustainable foundation is created for reliable procedures in global trade. This not only ensures compliance with regulatory requirements but also increases reliability toward partners, reduces disruptions in supply chains, and strengthens your position in international markets.
Voluntary disclosures & measures granting immunity from prosecution
Anyone considering a voluntary disclosure in the field of foreign trade criminal law requires one thing above all: a clear process and absolute confidentiality. For clients from Berlin, our lawyers at MTR Legal Rechtsanwälte provide step-by-step guidance to ensure that a sensitive situation develops into a structured procedure, allowing possible criminal consequences to be avoided or at least significantly mitigated depending on the circumstances.
The process begins with a detailed assessment: our lawyers for Berlin review the relevant cases, organize documents, and determine whether the legal requirements for a voluntary disclosure are actually met in the specific case. Based on this, we prepare the necessary documents, structure the content in a comprehensible manner, and ensure that deadlines and formal requirements are observed. We also coordinate with the responsible authorities to ensure communication is consistent, factual, and free of unnecessary friction.
For companies, it is particularly important to limit risks early on. Therefore, our lawyers for Berlin focus not only on the procedure itself but also on potential follow-up effects—such as public perception, internal processes, and business continuity. This way, you receive discreet support from the initial consultation through to the final resolution.
International cooperation & legal assistance
If proceedings involve multiple countries, looking solely at German law is often insufficient: authorities exchange information, mutual legal assistance requests are submitted, and inquiries are conducted through established networks. The German foreign trade administration also plays a role, cooperating with agencies such as Interpol and Europol and working on the basis of bilateral agreements with other countries.
In such cases, the lawyers at MTR Legal Rechtsanwälte assist clients from Berlin with criminal law matters involving foreign elements. We thoroughly examine whether an extradition request is formally and substantively valid, keep track of deadlines and jurisdictions, and coordinate the next steps to ensure your defense does not stop at borders. We also support you during investigative measures abroad and ensure clear coordination of the approach.
If threatened international sanctions or assets located outside Germany need to be secured, you will also receive reliable support. With a consistent approach and extensive experience, we are committed to protecting your position and providing guidance in challenging situations – both in Berlin and in the international context.
