Best International Trade Law Lawyers in Marijampolė

About International Trade Law in Marijampolė, Republic of Lithuania

International trade activity in Marijampolė operates within the legal framework of the Republic of Lithuania and the European Union. Lithuania is an EU and Eurozone member, so most customs, trade compliance, product safety, and competition rules are harmonized at EU level and are administered nationally by Lithuanian authorities. Businesses in Marijampolė benefit from access to the EU single market, proximity to Poland, and regional logistics routes such as the Via Baltica corridor. The Marijampolė Free Economic Zone offers investment incentives for manufacturing and logistics that support export operations.

Key legal pillars include the EU Customs Code, EU tariff and origin rules, EU product compliance regimes, EU and national sanctions, Lithuanian VAT and excise rules, and domestic contract, company, and dispute resolution law. Local enforcement and day-to-day interactions occur with Lithuanian Customs, the State Tax Inspectorate, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, the State Consumer Rights Protection Authority, and sectoral regulators.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Trade lawyers help businesses anticipate and manage risk in cross-border transactions. Common situations include classifying goods under the tariff, calculating customs duties and VAT, and structuring supply chains to lawfully reduce costs using customs procedures such as inward processing or customs warehousing. A lawyer can prepare or review international sales contracts, including Incoterms, delivery terms, payment security, choice of law, and dispute resolution clauses tailored to Lithuanian and EU law.

Legal support is valuable if you handle dual-use or other strategic goods that require export or transit licenses, or if your transactions may be affected by EU sanctions on countries such as Russia and Belarus. Counsel can guide you on product compliance and CE marking for machinery, electronics, medical devices, chemicals, food, and consumer products. If Lithuanian Customs questions valuation, origin, or classification, a lawyer can respond and appeal decisions within strict deadlines.

Businesses also seek advice on VAT and excise structuring, Intrastat reporting, trade finance instruments like letters of credit and guarantees, agency or distribution agreements that comply with EU competition rules, FDI and national security screening, and public procurement. When a dispute arises, counsel can represent you before Lithuanian courts or in arbitration and assist with settlement or mediation.

Local Laws Overview

Customs and tariffs. EU customs law applies through the Union Customs Code. Import duties are determined using the EU Combined Nomenclature and the TARIC database. Correct commodity classification, customs valuation, and proof of origin are essential. Preferential origin may reduce or eliminate duty under EU free trade agreements, typically supported by statements on origin or EUR.1 where applicable. An EORI number is required to lodge customs declarations. Traders may apply for Authorised Economic Operator status for trusted trader benefits.

Customs procedures. Lithuania supports special procedures such as inward processing, outward processing, customs warehousing, temporary admission, and end-use, each with prior authorization and compliance conditions. These can defer or suspend duty and import VAT. Businesses in the Marijampolė Free Economic Zone often use bonded and warehousing solutions consistent with EU rules, along with local tax incentives under Lithuanian law.

Import VAT and excise. The standard Lithuanian VAT rate is 21 percent, with reduced rates for specific goods and services when statutory conditions are met. Proper invoicing, proof of export, and audit trails are critical to apply zero rating for exports and intra-EU supplies. Import VAT is collected at import, with options for accounting and deduction by VAT-registered businesses under Lithuanian rules. Excise duties apply to alcohol, tobacco, and energy products, with electronic movement control under the EU EMCS system.

Trade statistics and e-commerce. Intrastat reporting may be required for EU movements once annual thresholds are exceeded. For B2C e-commerce, the EU OSS and IOSS regimes can simplify VAT compliance for intra-EU and certain imports to consumers.

Export controls and sanctions. Dual-use items are controlled under the EU Dual-Use Regulation. Lithuania licenses export, brokering, transit, and technical assistance for strategic goods under national law coordinated by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, with input from security and foreign affairs bodies. EU sanctions regimes apply in Lithuania, including restrictions on certain goods, services, and financing. Lithuanian Customs and financial crime authorities enforce sanctions and export controls.

Product compliance and CE marking. Products placed on the EU market must meet EU New Legislative Framework directives and regulations. Depending on the product, this may involve conformity assessment, technical documentation, translations, labeling, and the CE mark. Chemicals are regulated under REACH and CLP. Electrical and electronic goods must comply with safety and environmental rules such as RoHS and WEEE. Market surveillance is performed by the State Consumer Rights Protection Authority and sectoral regulators such as the State Food and Veterinary Service and the State Medicines Control Agency.

Competition, distribution, and consumer law. Distribution, franchise, and agency agreements must comply with EU and Lithuanian competition law, including the EU Vertical Block Exemption. Consumer protection, distance sales, and unfair commercial practices rules apply to B2C operations targeting Lithuanian consumers.

Disputes and enforcement. Customs decisions can be challenged through administrative appeal and litigation in Lithuanian courts. Arbitration is available, including at the Vilnius Court of Commercial Arbitration. Court proceedings generally require Lithuanian language filings, with sworn translations for foreign documents. Strict filing deadlines apply to appeals and judicial reviews.

Investment screening and data protection. Foreign investments into strategic sectors may be reviewed for national security under Lithuanian law consistent with the EU screening framework. Cross-border data flows and customer data processing must comply with the GDPR and Lithuanian data protection rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any registrations before I start importing or exporting from Marijampolė

Yes. Most businesses need an EORI number to interact with EU customs systems. If you make taxable supplies in Lithuania, you likely need VAT registration. Certain products or activities require additional permits or registrations, such as excise warehouse authorization or sectoral licenses. A trade lawyer can map required registrations based on your goods, flows, and customers.

How do I know the correct customs duty rate for my product

Duty depends on the commodity code, origin, and any applicable preferences. Classification uses the EU Combined Nomenclature. Origin rules vary by agreement and can be complex. A small mistake can trigger back duties and penalties. Lawyers and customs specialists can prepare binding tariff information requests or origin rulings to reduce risk.

What documents are typically required at import or export

Commonly required items include commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, customs declaration data, licenses or certificates where applicable, and proofs for preferential origin. For certain goods you may need CE compliance documentation, sanitary or phytosanitary certificates, or dual-use licenses. Keep records in an auditable format for the statutory period.

How is VAT handled on imports into Lithuania

Import VAT is assessed at the border using the customs value plus duty and other charges. VAT-registered businesses may recover import VAT subject to normal rules. Lithuania allows administrative mechanisms that can ease cash flow in some cases. A tax and trade lawyer can assess whether postponed accounting or other options are available to you.

Do I need a license to export dual-use or military items

Possibly. Dual-use goods and certain technologies are controlled under EU Regulation on dual-use items and Lithuanian strategic goods law. Exports, transit, brokering, and technical assistance can all be licensable. The Ministry of Economy and Innovation oversees licensing with inputs from other authorities. Early screening of your product and end-use is essential.

How do EU sanctions on Russia and Belarus affect my business

EU measures restrict trade in specified goods and services, financial dealings, transport, and certain technology transfers. Transit through neighboring countries can also be affected. Lithuanian Customs and enforcement bodies apply these rules. Screening customers, end-users, banks, and goods lists is critical. Obtain tailored legal advice before shipping to or through high-risk destinations.

What is AEO status and should my company in Marijampolė apply

Authorised Economic Operator status is an EU trusted trader program that can provide benefits such as fewer controls and faster clearance. It requires demonstrated compliance, financial solvency, and robust security and customs processes. Companies with regular import-export flows and strong internal controls often benefit from AEO.

What are my options if Customs reclassifies my goods and assesses more duty

You can challenge the decision through administrative appeal and, if needed, court action. There are strict and short deadlines. Strong technical evidence, expert opinions, and prior rulings can help. A lawyer can manage the process, preserve your rights, and explore settlement or alternative strategies like applying for binding information.

Do I have to file Intrastat or other statistical reports

Businesses trading goods within the EU may need to file Intrastat when their arrivals or dispatches exceed annual thresholds. Thresholds and reporting details are set nationally and change over time. Your accountant or lawyer can check current thresholds and obligations for Lithuania and set up internal data collection.

What should be included in an international sales contract under Lithuanian law

Key elements include precise product descriptions and standards, Incoterms 2020, price and payment terms, currency and trade finance instruments, delivery schedules, quality and inspection procedures, force majeure, choice of law and forum, language, and dispute resolution method. For Lithuania based deals, consider Lithuanian law or another clearly defined law, and determine whether court or arbitration is preferable.

Additional Resources

Lithuanian Customs for import-export procedures, AEO, customs decisions, and IPR border enforcement applications.

State Tax Inspectorate for VAT registration, import VAT, OSS and IOSS, and excise duty guidance.

Ministry of Economy and Innovation for strategic goods control, export licenses, and business support programs.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs for EU and national sanctions policy information and compliance notices.

Financial Crime Investigation Service for sanctions enforcement and financial compliance matters.

State Consumer Rights Protection Authority for product safety and market surveillance of non-food goods.

State Food and Veterinary Service for food, feed, and animal product import-export requirements.

State Medicines Control Agency for medicines and medical devices compliance.

Lithuanian National Accreditation Bureau and Lithuanian Standards Board for conformity assessment and standards information.

Vilnius Court of Commercial Arbitration for commercial arbitration services in Lithuania.

Marijampolė Free Economic Zone administration and the regional Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts for local investment and trade facilitation.

Next Steps

Define your trade flows and products. Map the goods you plan to import or export, target markets, suppliers and customers, transport modes, and whether goods might be dual-use or otherwise controlled.

Gather documents. Collect product specifications, technical sheets, safety data sheets, prior classifications, origin documentation, contracts, invoices, and logistics agreements. These will be needed for compliance screening.

Assess regulatory touchpoints. Confirm EORI and VAT status, licensing needs, CE and sectoral compliance, sanctions screening requirements, and reporting obligations such as Intrastat. Identify potential use of special customs procedures to optimize duty and VAT cash flow.

Engage a lawyer early. Contact a Lithuanian trade lawyer with EU experience. Ask about timelines, likely costs, and a step plan for classification, licensing, and procedure applications. Check for conflicts of interest and agree on communications and document handling.

Implement compliance controls. Set up internal processes for classification, origin determination, valuation, sanctions and end-use screening, and document retention. Train staff and assign responsibility for customs and VAT filings.

Prepare for audits and disputes. Establish an audit file with key rulings, licenses, and correspondence. If you receive an adverse customs decision, act quickly due to short appeal deadlines. Your lawyer can represent you before customs, tax authorities, and courts or in arbitration.

Review and update regularly. Laws and sanctions lists change. Schedule periodic reviews of your classifications, origin claims, and licenses, especially if your supply chain or product design changes.

This guide provides general information only and is not legal advice. For tailored assistance on international trade law matters in Marijampolė, consult a qualified Lithuanian lawyer experienced in EU trade rules.