Sanctions & Embargo Law: EU, U.S. & UN Sanctions Compliance
As a sanctions law firm with decades of experience, CREYDT.LAW helps companies manage international trade restrictions with legal and technical expertise. International sanctions and embargoes create significant legal risks for companies engaged in cross-border trade. Violations can result in severe fines, criminal liability, and lasting reputational damage.
We advise companies on all EU sanctions and embargoes, relevant German implementing regulations, and, where applicable, U.S. sanctions regimes (including OFAC). Our current focus areas include the EU sanctions packages in connection with the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as the sanctions regimes targeting Iran and Syria.
In the area of sanctions and embargoes, our range of services includes in particular:
Decades of
Experience
Over 100 years of combined experience providing sound and reliable legal advice.
Interdisciplinary
Approach
Legal expertise, technical know-how and experienced project management in customs and foreign trade law.
Multiple
Awards
Recognized excellence with repeatedly awarded consulting quality at national and international level.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
1. Economic sanctions: Trade restrictions, investment prohibitions, import and export restrictions.
2. Financial sanctions: Asset freezes, transaction prohibitions, asset release obligations.
3. Embargoes: Comprehensive trade and economic blockades (e.g. arms embargoes).
4. Travel restrictions and visa bans.
5. Sectoral sanctions: Targeted restrictions on specific economic sectors (e.g. energy, banking).
German companies are affected in particular by EU sanctions as well as by extraterritorially applicable U.S. sanctions (e.g. OFAC).
1. EU sanctions: Binding on all member states; currently in place against, among others, Russia, Belarus, Iran, Syria, and certain terrorist organisations.
2. U.S. sanctions: Particularly relevant where U.S. business partners, U.S.-origin goods, or dollar-denominated transactions are involved (e.g. OFAC listings).
3. UN sanctions: Implemented through EU regulations.
4. German national sanctions (e.g. Foreign Trade and Payments Regulation, AWV).
Key embargoes concern, among other things, defence goods, dual-use goods, technology transfers, as well as sanctioned countries and individuals. Ongoing monitoring is essential, as sanctions lists change frequently.
2. Goods review: Checking whether exported/imported goods fall under embargoes or sectoral restrictions (e.g. dual-use goods, defence goods).
3. Transaction analysis: Reviewing payment flows and trade routes for points of contact with sanctioned countries or persons.
4. Use of screening tools and databases (e.g. BAFA listings, EU sanctions map, commercial compliance software).
5. Internal policies: Implementation of a compliance management system (CMS) with regular training and risk assessments.
In cases of doubt, a legal assessment should be obtained from a law firm specialising in sanctions law.
1. In cases of suspected violations: Immediate review, notification, and damage limitation are critical.
2. Prior to contact with authorities: e.g. BAFA, customs, the public prosecutor's office, or EU/U.S. authorities.
3. For planned transactions involving high-risk countries: Prior assessment of sanctions compliance.
4. Following the entry into force of new sanctions: Adaptation of internal compliance processes.
Sanctions violations can lead to severe penalties (fines, custodial sentences, reputational damage), and CREYDT.LAW can provide you with first-class, legally sound advice in this regard.
