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International trade law covers the rules and practices that govern import, export and cross-border commercial activity. In Agia Paraskevi, a suburb of Athens, businesses and individuals operate within Greece and the European Union legal frameworks. That means EU rules on customs, VAT, product safety and trade remedies apply together with Greek national law and international agreements Greece has ratified. Local law firms and advisers in Agia Paraskevi commonly handle matters such as customs procedures, export controls, international sale contracts, sanctions compliance and dispute resolution involving Greek counterparties or Greek territory.
You may need specialized legal help in international trade when you face complex regulatory compliance, risk of enforcement action, or disputes. Common situations include: drafting and negotiating international sale and distribution agreements; contesting customs classifications, duties or penalties; obtaining or challenging import-export licences and authorisations; complying with EU or UN sanctions and export controls for dual-use or military items; resolving transport and insurance disputes; handling cross-border tax and VAT issues; and representing parties in arbitration or litigation. A lawyer helps reduce regulatory risk, protect commercial interests and meet time-sensitive filing or appeal deadlines.
Key legal layers that affect international trade activity in Agia Paraskevi are:
- European Union law - EU treaties, regulations and directives have direct or indirect effect in Greece. Important EU instruments include the Union Customs Code, EU VAT rules, the EU Dual-Use Regulation and common trade sanctions imposed by the EU.
- Greek national law - Greece implements EU trade rules through national legislation and administrative practice. Customs and indirect tax procedures are administered through the national tax and customs authority. Licensing, public procurement and certain regulated product rules are set by Greek law.
- Customs and import-export procedures - Imports from non-EU countries are subject to customs declarations, duties and possible quotas. Businesses need an Economic Operators Registration and Identification number - EORI - and must keep accurate documentation such as commercial invoices, transport documents and certificates of origin.
- VAT and excise - Cross-border supplies are subject to EU and national VAT rules. Sales within the EU, exports outside the EU and imports into the EU have different VAT treatments and reporting obligations, including Intrastat and VAT registration rules.
- International conventions and private law - Greece is a party to many international instruments such as the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods - check applicability to your contract. Commercial practice often relies on standard trade terms such as INCOTERMS to allocate risks and costs between buyer and seller.
- Sanctions and export controls - EU and UN sanctions are implemented in Greece. Export controls on dual-use items, sensitive technologies and military goods combine EU lists with national licensing systems for certain categories.
- Dispute resolution - Commercial disputes can be pursued in Greek courts, typically in Athens for Agia Paraskevi residents, or via arbitration and mediation. Choice of law and jurisdiction clauses in contracts are critical.
You do not always need a lawyer, but legal advice is important if imports involve complex customs valuation, classification issues, preferential origin claims, licences, or potential sanctions. A lawyer can assist with appeals, civil penalties and structuring transactions to reduce exposure to duties and fines.
VAT treatment depends on whether the counterparty is in the EU or outside the EU and whether the buyer is a business or consumer. Intra-EU B2B supplies are often zero-rated provided the buyer has a valid VAT identification and proper evidence. Exports outside the EU are typically zero-rated as exports. Imports are subject to import VAT which can usually be reclaimed by VAT-registered businesses. Local tax advisers can confirm registration and reporting obligations.
Typical documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, customs declaration, EORI number, certificate of origin when preferential treatment is claimed, and any required licences or certificates for regulated goods - for example phytosanitary or health certificates for agricultural products.
INCOTERMS are not laws but are widely used contractual terms that define allocation of costs, risks and responsibilities between buyer and seller. When parties incorporate INCOTERMS into their contract, Greek courts and arbitrators will generally give effect to them as part of the agreement.
Greece is a contracting state to the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods, so the CISG may apply automatically to international sale of goods contracts between parties in contracting states unless the parties exclude it. Parties can instead choose a different governing law in their contract if they wish.
Sanctions adopted at the EU or UN level are implemented through national measures and enforced by Greek authorities. Banks, customs and competent ministries can block transactions, freeze assets or deny licences. If you deal with parties, goods or countries subject to sanctions, seek legal advice immediately to avoid severe penalties.
Act quickly. Gather all relevant documents and seek legal advice to understand the grounds for seizure. There are administrative appeal processes and judicial remedies with strict time limits. A lawyer can prepare an appeal, request immediate provisional measures and negotiate with customs authorities.
Yes. Arbitration is a common and effective method for resolving international commercial disputes. Greek law permits arbitration and courts will generally enforce arbitration agreements and awards, subject to limited public policy exceptions. Ensure arbitration clauses are carefully drafted - specifying seat, rules and language.
Export controls apply to certain categories of goods, technologies and software. Dual-use items and military goods often require export licences from national authorities and may be subject to EU controls. Determine classification early and consult legal or export control specialists to secure any required authorisations.
Look for lawyers with experience in customs, EU trade law, export controls and international commercial contracts. Contact the Athens Bar Association or local law firms in Agia Paraskevi and ask about relevant experience, client references, fee structure and whether they work with customs brokers or tax advisers. Arrange an initial consultation to discuss your matter and confirm engagement terms in writing.
Useful institutions and organisations to consult when dealing with international trade matters include:
- Independent Authority for Public Revenue - customs administration
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs - export controls and sanctions related guidance
- Ministry of Development and Investment - trade policy and licensing where applicable
- Enterprise Greece - trade promotion and practical export guidance
- Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry - local business support and networking
- Athens Bar Association - professional regulator for lawyers and referrals
- European Commission - DG Trade and EU Customs Union rules for EU-wide guidance
- World Trade Organization - international trade rules and dispute settlement resources
- Local customs brokers, freight forwarders and tax advisers who handle operational compliance
If you need legal assistance with an international trade issue in Agia Paraskevi follow these steps:
- Gather documents - assemble contracts, invoices, transport documents, customs correspondence, licences and any notices.
- Identify immediate deadlines - appeals, customs hold periods and licence expiry dates are time-sensitive.
- Seek an initial consultation - contact a lawyer or law firm experienced in international trade law to assess risks and remedies.
- Ask about experience and fees - confirm the lawyer handles similar matters, request a scope of work and a written engagement letter.
- Consider multi-disciplinary support - you may need customs brokers, tax advisers, logistics partners or technical experts alongside legal counsel.
- Decide on dispute resolution strategy - evaluate negotiation, mediation, arbitration or litigation depending on the urgency and cost.
- Comply and document - follow lawful instructions from authorities and keep detailed records of communications and steps taken to mitigate exposure.
Getting timely, practical legal advice will help protect your business and preserve commercial options. If you are unsure where to start, contact the Athens Bar Association or a reputable local firm for a referral and an initial case assessment.
