Best Sanctions & Export Controls Lawyers in Chalandri

1. About Sanctions & Export Controls Law in Chalandri, Greece

Sanctions and export controls in Chalandri, Greece are largely shaped by European Union law, which Greece implements and enforces as an EU member state. Greek authorities apply EU sanctions to financial transactions, trade, and technology transfers within and outside the EU. Compliance duties include screening end users, licensing certain exports, and maintaining records to avoid penalties.

For local residents and businesses in Chalandri, this means any activity involving restricted destinations, designated persons, or dual-use goods requires careful legal review. Enforcement is carried out by Greek customs, financial regulators, and the judiciary in alignment with EU regulations. A qualified sanctions and export controls attorney can help interpret complex rules, assess risk, and manage licenses or disputes effectively.

Key takeaway: EU sanctions and dual-use controls are binding in Greece, and robust compliance programs reduce the risk of violations that could trigger investigations, fines, or criminal charges.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

In Chalandri, timely legal advice can prevent costly violations or license denials. Below are concrete scenarios where a sanctions and export controls attorney is essential.

• A Thessaloniki or Athens based manufacturer in Chalandri plans to export encrypted communication equipment to a restricted country and needs a license assessment and possible license application guidance.
• A local importer discovers an end user in their supply chain is on a sanctions list and needs a risk assessment, due diligence plan, and potential license alternatives.
• Your company receives a notice of investigation or a request for information from Greek authorities about possible dual-use export violations or misclassification of goods.
• You operate a startup in Chalandri that develops software with potential dual-use applications and must determine classification, licensing, and export controls obligations.
• You face a request to amend or unwind a previous export license, or you want to appeal a license denial or revocation decision by the Greek competent authority.
• Your business is considering a cross-border transaction that involves a sanctioned destination, and you need a full compliance program to avoid inadvertent breaches.

3. Local Laws Overview

In Greece, EU sanctions and the EU dual-use export control framework are the primary sources of law, supplemented by national administrative procedures. The Greek authorities enforce these rules through licensing regimes, monitoring, and penalties for non-compliance.

Regulation (EU) 833/2014 on restrictive measures in response to the situation in Ukraine and other situations of concern forms the core of EU sanctions applicable in Greece. It outlines prohibitions on trade, financial dealings, and other support to designated destinations and persons, with periodic amendments reflecting current policy goals.

Regulation (EU) 821/2021 on the control of dual-use items, and its updates, governs export, transfer, brokering, and transit of goods that can serve civilian and military purposes. It requires screening, licensing, and end-use verification for many categories of items used in technology and industry.

Regulation (EC) No 428/2009 on the control of exports, transfer, brokering of dual-use items has been modernized by Regulation 821/2021, but historical references to 428/2009 still appear in older documents and transitional guidance. The current framework relies on 821/2021 and its schedules for licensing decisions and compliance obligations.

EU sanctions regimes are binding on all Member States, including Greece, and require the screening of end users and destinations for exports and financial dealings. Source: eur-lex.europa.eu

The EU Dual-Use Regulation imposes controls on the export, transfer, brokering and transit of dual-use goods and technology. Source: eur-lex.europa.eu

For practical purposes in Chalandri, Greek authorities implement these EU rules through national licensing procedures, customs controls, and enforcement actions. Firms should expect to maintain due diligence records, conduct internal audits, and implement written compliance programs. Always consult a local attorney to map EU obligations to your specific business activities.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of sanctions and export controls in Greece?

Sanctions restrict trade and financial flows with designated destinations, entities, and individuals. Export controls regulate the sale and transfer of dual-use goods and technologies, protecting security and foreign policy goals.

How do I know if my product is subject to dual-use controls in Greece?

Classification under the EU dual-use list determines licensing needs. If your product can be used for civilian or military purposes, consult an attorney to confirm licensing requirements before export.

What is the first step to take when I suspect a potential violation?

Stop the shipment or transaction, document all details, and contact a sanctions lawyer to assess exposure, potential licenses, and next steps with Greek authorities.

Do I need a license for exporting software or encryption technology from Greece?

Yes, many software and encryption technologies fall under dual-use controls. A licensed review can determine whether an export license is required and which license class applies.

How long does a typical export license review take in Greece?

Processing times vary by item and destination, but planning for several weeks to a few months is common. A lawyer can help prepare complete applications to minimize delays.

Can I challenge a sanctions designation or a license denial?

Yes. A lawyer can help with administrative appeals or legal challenges, including submissions to relevant Greek authorities and, if needed, EU bodies.

Do I need ongoing compliance programs for sanctions and export controls?

Yes. A formal program with screening, training, recordkeeping, and periodic audits reduces risk of accidental violations and simplifies audits.

What is the difference between a license exception and a full license?

A full export license authorizes a specific transaction. A license exception allows export activities under predefined conditions without a full license, depending on item and destination.

How does Greece enforce sanctions within local business operations?

Enforcement occurs through customs controls, financial regulators, and criminal or administrative penalties for violations, with investigations led by national authorities and EU coordination.

What if my company transfers items through a third country to avoid controls?

Third-country transfers can still trigger EU sanctions and export control rules if they facilitate prohibited end uses or destinations. Seek immediate legal counsel.

Should I review existing supplier contracts for sanctions compliance?

Yes. Contractual clauses may require compliance representations and covenants, including end-use certifications and flow-downs to subcontractors.

5. Additional Resources

• European Commission - Sanctions and Trade Policy: https://ec.europa.eu/trade/trade-policy/sanctions/
• EUR-Lex - Official EU Law Portal (regulations and amendments): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/
• Greek Government Portal - Official information for citizens and businesses: https://www.gov.gr

6. Next Steps

1. Define your scope and risk: determine whether you are dealing with sanctions, dual-use licensing, or both, and list all involved parties and destinations. Aim to complete this within 3 business days.
2. Gather core documents: collect product specifications, end-use/end-user information, supplier and customer details, licenses, and past enforcement notices. Target 1 week for collection and organization.
3. Identify potential law firms or sole practitioners in Chalandri or Athens with sanctions and export controls experience. Do an initial outreach within 1-2 weeks.
4. Schedule consultations and prepare a findings package: provide copies of product classifications, current export routes, and any prior regulatory correspondence. Bookings typically occur within 2-3 weeks.
5. Assess licensing options and compliance needs: your attorney will map licensing triggers, timelines, and the steps to implement or adjust a compliance program. Expect a 2-6 week planning phase.
6. Develop a written compliance program: draft screening procedures, recordkeeping policies, training plans, and internal audits tailored to Chalandri operations. Implementation can take 4-8 weeks.
7. Engage counsel for ongoing monitoring or action: if an investigation or license decision arises, coordinate defense strategy, filings, and potential appeals with your lawyer. Establish ongoing retainer or periodic review within 1-3 months.