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Sanctions and export controls are legal tools used by states and international organizations to restrict trade, financial flows, and other interactions with specific countries, entities, or individuals. In Agia Paraskevi, Greece - as elsewhere in Greece - these rules come from a mix of European Union law, United Nations Security Council resolutions, and national implementing measures. Businesses and individuals in Agia Paraskevi must follow the same sanctions and export control rules that apply across Greece, including EU regulations that are directly applicable and Greek laws and administrative rules that implement or complement EU and UN measures.
Common aims of sanctions and export controls include national security protection, non-proliferation of weapons, human rights promotion, and enforcement of foreign policy objectives. For local residents and companies these rules can affect imports and exports, payments and banking, contractual relationships, and cross-border services - including software, technology transfers, and consulting.
Sanctions and export control matters often involve complex international and domestic law, technical classification of goods, and interaction with financial and customs authorities. You may need a lawyer if you face any of the following situations:
- You are unsure whether your goods, software, or services fall under export control or dual-use rules and need assistance with classification and licensing.
- A bank or counterparty has frozen funds or refused a transaction because of a sanctions screening match.
- Customs has detained a shipment, or you have received a request from customs or another authority about a suspected breach.
- You need to apply for an export or re-export license, or for an exemption or authorization from a competent authority.
- Your company is developing or updating a sanctions and export-control compliance program, policies, or training for staff.
- You are under investigation or have received an administrative or criminal notice for alleged sanctions or export control violations and require representation.
- You need to conduct sanctions screening, customer due diligence, or transaction risk assessments in cross-border contracts and trade.
Key legal points that are particularly relevant in Agia Paraskevi and Greece generally include the following:
- EU Regulations and UN Resolutions: Many sanctions and export control measures are issued as EU regulations or UN resolutions. EU regulations are directly applicable in all member states, including Greece, and do not require separate national enactment to be binding.
- National Implementing Measures: Greece issues national implementing rules and administrative procedures that enforce EU and UN measures. These rules determine which national body handles licensing, inspections and enforcement.
- Export Control Framework: Export controls cover dual-use items, military goods, and technologies. The EU Dual-Use Regulation sets the baseline for licensing and control of items that have both civilian and military applications. National authorities administer licenses and classification queries, and customs enforces physical exports.
- Licensing and Authorizations: Exports and re-exports of controlled goods, technologies, and certain services often require a prior license from a competent Greek authority. Licenses can be general or individual and may be contingent on end-use assurances.
- Financial Measures and Asset Freezes: Sanctions can include asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on providing funds or economic resources to designated persons or entities. Banks and financial institutions have obligations to screen and report suspicious transactions.
- Criminal and Administrative Penalties: Breaches of sanctions or export control rules can attract administrative fines, seizure of goods, and in serious cases criminal prosecution. Penalties vary with the type and scale of the breach and whether it was intentional or negligent.
- Reporting and Cooperation Obligations: Companies and professionals often must report suspicious activity to authorities, cooperate with inspections, and maintain records demonstrating compliance.
Sanctions are targeted measures that restrict dealings with certain countries, entities or individuals - for example freezing assets or banning imports from a listed country. Export controls focus on restricting the transfer of specific goods, technologies or services that could create security risks, such as dual-use items or defense-related equipment. Both may overlap, but sanctions are typically politically driven while export controls are often risk-driven and technical.
Yes. EU sanctions adopted as EU regulations are directly applicable in Greece and therefore apply to individuals and businesses in Agia Paraskevi. Greek authorities enforce these measures alongside any national implementing provisions.
You need to determine whether the product, technology or software is listed under applicable export-control lists, such as EU dual-use lists or national military lists, or whether its end-use raises export-control concerns. Classification requests and technical assessments are often necessary. A lawyer or an export-control specialist can help classify items and advise on licensing requirements.
First, contact the bank to get details about the reason for the freeze and the specific designation or suspicion. Preserve all relevant records and communications. Seek immediate legal advice to assess whether the freeze is justified and to pursue necessary steps - for example providing documentation that disproves a match, applying for a license or seeking administrative relief.
Generally no, if the foreign company is subject to sanctions that prohibit providing funds or services to it. You must screen counterparties against relevant sanctions lists and seek legal advice if there is a potential match. Contracts should include clauses addressing sanctions compliance, termination, warranties and indemnities to manage risk.
Penalties can include administrative fines, seizure of goods, suspension of licenses, and criminal prosecution in severe cases. The severity depends on the nature of the breach, whether it was deliberate or negligent, and the harm caused. Cooperating with authorities and taking remedial steps can influence outcomes.
Enforcement is carried out by a combination of national authorities, typically including customs, ministries responsible for trade and foreign affairs, financial regulators, and law enforcement agencies. EU authorities and international bodies may also be involved in cross-border enforcement and information sharing.
Start with a simple risk assessment to identify which products, services, customers and markets pose sanctions or export-control risks. Implement basic policies for screening customers and transactions, training staff, maintaining records and escalating matches to senior management or legal counsel. Regularly review and update the program as laws and risks change.
If customs detains a shipment, obtain the detention notice and any reasoning. Do not attempt to move or alter the goods. Contact your customs broker and seek legal advice immediately to understand grounds for detention, available remedies and whether a license application, corrected documentation or an appeal is required.
Look for lawyers or law firms with experience in international trade, EU sanctions, export control licensing and cross-border investigations. Relevant indicators include prior work on export control classification, sanctions compliance programs, representation in enforcement matters, and knowledge of banking and customs procedures. Arrange an initial consultation to discuss your facts, costs and approach.
The following organizations and resources can be helpful when seeking more information or official guidance. Contact the appropriate national or EU authority for formal advice and licensing procedures.
- Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs - for foreign policy and sanctions implementation
- Greek Ministry of Development and Investments - for export licensing and industrial controls
- Independent Authority for Public Revenue - for customs enforcement and export procedures
- Hellenic Financial Intelligence Unit - for reporting suspicious financial activity
- Hellenic police and public prosecutor offices - for criminal enforcement matters
- European Commission - for EU sanctions notices, guidance and consolidated regulations
- European External Action Service - for EU foreign policy and restrictive measures
- United Nations Security Council - for UN-mandated sanctions lists and resolutions
- International export-control regimes and guidance - such as dual-use control frameworks and non-proliferation regimes
- Trade associations and chambers of commerce - for practical guidance and sector-specific advice
If you believe you need legal assistance with sanctions or export controls, take the following practical steps:
- Gather documents and facts - collect contracts, invoices, shipping documents, communications with banks, and any notices from authorities.
- Conduct an internal screening - check relevant sanctions lists and gather information about end-users, ultimate beneficiaries and end-use of goods.
- Stop potentially problematic transactions - pause shipments, payments or services that may breach sanctions or export control rules until you obtain guidance.
- Contact a qualified lawyer - arrange an initial consultation with a lawyer experienced in sanctions and export controls. Provide clear facts and documents so the lawyer can assess risks and advise on options.
- Consider voluntary disclosure - where appropriate, early engagement with authorities can mitigate penalties, but seek legal advice before making formal disclosures.
- Implement or improve compliance measures - work with counsel to create screening systems, licensing procedures, staff training and recordkeeping tailored to your business.
This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a qualified lawyer in Agia Paraskevi or elsewhere in Greece who specializes in sanctions and export control law.
