Best Sanctions & Export Controls Lawyers in Helsinki

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Borenius Attorneys Ltd
Helsinki, Finland

Founded in 1911
500 people in their team
Finnish
English
About UsA law firm is more than just a business. A successful law firm is much more than a sum of its practice areas. As a firm, we believe in a strong unified corporate culture where all practices and practitioners share the same values, mission and strategy. This means we constantly focus on...
Krogerus
Helsinki, Finland

Founded in 1993
200 people in their team
Finnish
English
Over a hundred different handshakes, one thing in common.Every handshake is unique. So is every one of our lawyers. Law has always been - and always will be - a people’s business. That’s why we only employ the most talented, ambitious and genuine people. We all share one common goal: to find...
Hedman Law Firm
Helsinki, Finland

Founded in 1993
50 people in their team
English
Finnish
Estonian
Practice areasStartups and FundraisingData ProtectionCorporate and M&AAI regulatory complianceRegulatory and New Business ModelsVenture Capital & Private EquityEmployment & Stock optionsInformation TechnologyWeb3 related servicesIntellectual PropertyDispute resolutionTaxEnforcement...
Lex Gaudius
Helsinki, Finland

Founded in 2016
10 people in their team
Finnish
English
We are an international law firm in Sörnäis, Helsinki. Our expert team serves you, your company or your organization reliably and cost-effectively.Our goal is to promote the realization of human rights and guarantee everyone the opportunity for legal aid regardless of citizenship, social status...
Lexia Law Firm
Helsinki, Finland

Founded in 2009
200 people in their team
Finnish
Swedish
English
We create value and bring peace of mind. We lead your company on the path to success with business expertise and customer-oriented business legal services.We combine legal excellence with a positive service attitude and offer comprehensive business legal services with 80 experts in Helsinki, Turku,...
Kuusivaara
Helsinki, Finland

Founded in 1998
10 people in their team
Finnish
English
OverviewWe are a law firm specializing in litigation. Our specialty is labor disputes. We also handle other aspects of helping citizens, such as family and inheritance law matters and criminal cases. Recently, disputes related to the compensation scope of various insurances, the right of recourse...
Castrén & Snellman
Helsinki, Finland

Founded in 1888
500 people in their team
Finnish
English
OverviewOur mission is to help our clients build sustainable success stories. We are a reliable partner in transactions, dispute resolution and a wide range of other specialised facets of business law.Decades of supporting our clients’ success have enabled us to grow into a firm of over 280...
Uudenmaan Lakimiehet Oy
Helsinki, Finland

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Finnish
English
Uudenmaa Lakimiehet Oy is a full-service law office in HelsinkiOur legal office offers comprehensive legal services for legal assistance and advice. Uudenmaa Lakimiehet Oy handles with solid professional skills legal advice, handling trials, preparing complaints, drawing up documents, assisting in...
Magnusson Ltd
Helsinki, Finland

Founded in 2004
500 people in their team
Finnish
English
As a client of Magnusson, your interaction will be with one expert attorney as a single point of contact. But what enables this individual to deliver the coherent and seamless cross-jurisdictional advice you receive is the close interaction between our network of local practice groups. Each...
Streng Law Firm
Helsinki, Finland

Founded in 1999
50 people in their team
Finnish
English
Law firm Streng serves as follows:The first telephone or e-mail consultation is free of charge.We map out your need for legal assistance and your possibility of receiving state-sponsored legal assistance or compensation from your legal protection insurance.We are located in Helsinki, Katajanokka....
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About Sanctions & Export Controls Law in Helsinki, Finland

Sanctions and export controls law in Helsinki, Finland covers rules and regulations that govern how goods, technology, services, and funds can be transferred across Finnish borders. These laws are designed to support national and international security objectives, prevent illegal activities, and uphold Finland's obligations under the European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN). The Finnish government enforces these laws through multiple agencies, ensuring that trade and transactions with restricted countries, companies, or individuals comply with all relevant measures.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Dealing with sanctions and export controls can be highly complex. Even unintentional violations can carry serious financial and legal consequences. You may find you need a lawyer if you are:

  • Engaged in international trade or business that involves exporting goods, technology, or software from Finland
  • Working with foreign partners or in countries subject to sanctions
  • Handling items listed as dual-use goods (civilian and military applications)
  • Uncertain about the sanctions status of a transaction or business partner
  • Contacted by Finnish or EU authorities regarding compliance or investigations
  • Suspected of breaching sanctions or export control laws
  • Needing help with licensing applications or compliance programs
  • Facing asset freezes, trade restrictions, or other penalties

A lawyer specializing in this field can help you interpret complex laws, develop compliance programs, manage risk, and represent you in disputes or investigations.

Local Laws Overview

Sanctions and export controls in Helsinki are largely shaped by Finland's membership in the EU, which means most rules are derived from EU regulations and directly applicable in Finland. Key aspects include:

  • EU Sanctions: Finland enforces all EU-imposed sanctions, which may affect trade, financial transactions, transport, and provide restrictions on targeted individuals or entities.
  • UN Sanctions: UN Security Council sanctions are also implemented in Finland, typically through EU legislation.
  • National Controls: Finland can adopt its own additional export controls, especially concerning national security, dual-use items, and military goods.
  • Authorization: Many exports require licenses, particularly military goods and dual-use items that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
  • Enforcement: The authorities responsible for enforcement include the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Finnish Customs, and the National Police Board. Violations can result in administrative or criminal penalties.
  • Compliance: Finnish businesses are expected to implement internal compliance programs and due diligence to identify and mitigate risks related to sanctions and export controls.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are sanctions and export controls?

Sanctions are legal measures imposed by countries or international bodies to restrict trade, financial transactions, or relationships with specific countries, organizations, or individuals. Export controls are laws that regulate the export of certain products, services, or technologies, usually for security or policy reasons.

Who enforces sanctions and export control laws in Finland?

The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Finnish Customs, and the National Police Board are primary enforcement authorities for sanctions and export control laws in Finland.

Does Finnish law apply to international companies?

Yes, Finnish sanctions and export control laws apply to any person or company operating in Finland or using Finnish-origin goods, technology, or services, including subsidiaries of foreign companies.

What are dual-use goods, and why do they matter?

Dual-use goods are items, technology, or software that have both civilian and military uses. Exports of these goods are restricted and usually require a license from the authorities.

Do EU sanctions override Finnish law?

Yes, EU sanctions are directly applicable in Finland and take precedence over conflicting national law.

What penalties can result from violations?

Violating sanctions or export controls can result in fines, imprisonment, confiscation of goods, loss of business licenses, and reputational damage.

How can I check if a country or person is subject to sanctions?

Finnish authorities publish lists and updates of sanctioned individuals, entities, and countries. Regularly checking these lists and staying updated on EU and Finnish government websites is important for compliance.

Can I apply for a sanction or export control license?

Yes, you can apply for export licenses through the Ministry for Foreign Affairs for controlled goods and technology. The process may be complex and require detailed documentation.

Are there exceptions or general licenses?

Some sanctions regimes include exceptions or general licenses for humanitarian aid, medical supplies, or other specific purposes. Legal advice can help determine if your case qualifies.

What should I do if authorities contact me about a potential violation?

You should seek legal advice immediately to understand your rights, obligations, and the best course of action. Do not ignore official requests or attempt to resolve the situation without professional assistance.

Additional Resources

  • Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland - Responsible for licensing, advice, and publishing up-to-date information about sanctions and export controls.
  • Finnish Customs - Handles the enforcement of export controls at the borders and investigates violations.
  • Finnish National Police Board - Assists with the enforcement of criminal sanctions.
  • Chamber of Commerce Helsinki - Provides guidance and training on international trade compliance.
  • European Union Sanctions Map - Offers detailed information on EU-wide sanctions regimes in force.

Next Steps

If you believe you may be affected by sanctions or export control laws, or if you have questions about compliance, the following steps can help:

  • Identify if your goods, technology, or business partners are subject to any export control or sanction restrictions.
  • Review your internal compliance procedures and update as necessary.
  • Consult up-to-date resources from Finnish authorities or industry bodies.
  • If you receive an inquiry or enforcement notice, contact a lawyer with expertise in sanctions and export control law immediately.
  • Gather relevant documentation for legal review, including contracts, licenses, shipping records, and correspondence with authorities.

Working with a qualified legal professional in Helsinki ensures your business not only avoids costly mistakes but also maintains a reputation for ethical and legal compliance in international trade.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Helsinki through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Sanctions & Export Controls, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Helsinki, Finland - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.