Best Sanctions & Export Controls Lawyers in Spain

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

Or refine your search by selecting a city:

LBO Legal
Seville, Spain

Founded in 2012
10 people in their team
Spanish
English
We are a law firm that was born in Seville in 2012 under the brand LBO Abogados and whose bases are the resolutive capacity, professional honesty and full availability to our portfolio of clients to whom we offer legal, tax, labor and personal data protection services.If there is one thing we are...
View profile
Almar Lawyers
Ibiza Town, Spain

English
Almar Lawyers, based in Ibiza's central square, Vara de Rey, is a distinguished law firm founded by Ibizan natives Alejandro Bonet Templeton and Nadine Schröder. With extensive experience in major law firms across the Balearic Islands and mainland Spain, they established Almar Lawyers to...

English
Rochina Abogados & Asesores, located in Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, offers comprehensive legal and business advisory services. The firm specializes in various areas of law, including civil, criminal, labor, commercial, and tax law, as well as business consulting services such as accounting,...
RASSEEN LAW FIRM
Madrid, Spain

Founded in 2020
20 people in their team
English
Spanish
A Saudi company using the latest technologies in the world of law, in line with the Kingdom's vision 2030. Its core is the aware and educated youth who graduated of the most advanced programs in the field of law and consultations.The company obtained an approval to legal practice and provide legal...

English
Duarte & Julián Abogadas is a multidisciplinary law firm based in Salamanca, Spain, offering specialized legal services to individuals, self-employed professionals, and businesses. The firm provides personalized legal solutions across various areas of law, including inheritance and succession,...
Vanguard Law Associates

Vanguard Law Associates

30 minutes Free Consultation
Marbella, Spain

Founded in 2023
5 people in their team
Spanish
English
Swedish
Italian
Vanguard Law Associates | Expert Real Estate & Property Lawyers in MarbellaVanguard Law Associates is a premier law firm based in Marbella, specializing exclusively in real estate and property law. With a strong reputation for legal excellence, we provide comprehensive solutions for property...
BJ Abogado
Seville, Spain

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Spanish
English
WE CARE ABOUT YOUR PROBLEMSWe are a law firm in Seville that aims to provide an agile and quality response to each of our clients. We are aware that we live in an increasingly technologically advanced society and, therefore, speed in providing a response is one of our most valued qualities.At BJ...
Vosseler Abogados
Barcelona, Spain

Founded in 1997
50 people in their team
Spanish
English
Vosseler Abogados was born in 1997 with the intention of creating a dynamic and current firm. A law firm close to clients, where in addition to working with the utmost professionalism to defend their interests, the necessary complicity and a closer relationship between lawyer and client is...
UNIVE Abogados
Madrid, Spain

Founded in 2006
200 people in their team
Spanish
English
Unive Abogados was created in 2006 as a result of an important project initiated by a group of university professors who decided to take the definitive step in their attempt to transfer the university way of work to the business or professional field.The fundamental pillars on which the service...
Mariscal & Abogados
Madrid, Spain

Founded in 2001
50 people in their team
Spanish
English
OUR MISSIONMiguel Mariscal‘s vision for founding Mariscal & Abogados was to offer exceptional legal advice to companies, particularly those with an international presence in Spain. To achieve this goal, he gathered a team of exceptionally skilled lawyers fluent in Spanish, English, French,...
AS SEEN ON

About Sanctions & Export Controls Law in Spain

Sanctions and export controls are essential elements of international trade law, particularly relevant for companies and individuals involved in cross-border transactions. In Spain, these regulations are designed to prevent the trade and movement of certain goods, technologies, and services that may pose risks to national security, support terrorism, or violate international agreements. Spain adheres to both European Union (EU) regulations and United Nations (UN) resolutions on sanctions, as well as its own national measures. This legal framework governs how certain items can be exported, imported, or transferred, and restricts dealings with specific countries, individuals, or entities.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal experts specializing in sanctions and export controls can offer critical guidance in various situations, including:

  • Ensuring your business is compliant with export control laws before shipping goods abroad
  • Responding to investigations or enforcement actions by Spanish or EU authorities
  • Seeking licenses or authorizations for exporting dual-use or military items
  • Navigating complex regulations when dealing with sanctioned countries or persons
  • Conducting due diligence to prevent unintentional breaches during mergers, acquisitions, or partnerships
  • Managing the legal risks of online or digital services that may fall under export controls
  • Appealing fines, administrative penalties, or asset freezes linked to sanctions violations

If your business regularly operates internationally or deals with products and technologies subject to restrictions, consulting a legal specialist can help prevent costly mistakes and protect your operations.

Local Laws Overview

Spain implements a rigorous system of sanctions and export controls, mainly shaped by EU legislation and supplemented by national regulations. The following aspects are particularly significant:

  • EU and National Sanctions: These measures can target countries, sectors, or individuals, restricting financial dealings, asset transfers, and trade.
  • Export Controls for Dual-Use Goods: Items with both civilian and military applications require authorization for export outside the EU. The Reglamento (CE) nº 428/2009 forms the core legal basis.
  • Military Goods: Export, import, and transfer of defense-related items are strictly regulated under Spanish Law 53/2007.
  • Technology and Data Transfers: Not only physical goods, but also intangible technology transfers, such as technical assistance or electronic transmissions, can be subject to controls.
  • Enforcement and Penalties: Breaches can lead to administrative or even criminal penalties, including significant fines and reputational damage. The Intervención General de la Administración del Estado and Customs are key bodies overseeing enforcement in Spain.

Businesses and individuals must keep abreast of frequent updates to sanctioned lists and control regimes to maintain compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are sanctions and export controls?

Sanctions are legal restrictions imposed on specific countries, organizations, or individuals, often relating to political or security objectives. Export controls regulate the cross-border sale, transfer, or sharing of certain sensitive goods, technologies, and services.

Who enforces these laws in Spain?

The Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, along with Customs and the Civil Guard, are primarily responsible for enforcement, in coordination with EU authorities.

Does EU law override Spanish national rules?

EU regulations on sanctions and export controls are directly applicable in Spain and generally take precedence. However, Spain may have additional national measures that complement or reinforce EU standards.

Are all exports subject to controls?

No, only specific categories of goods and technologies, such as dual-use items and military products, are subject to export controls. However, businesses must check if their products fall within the scope of these regulations.

What are dual-use items?

Dual-use items are products, software, or technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. Exporting these from Spain to outside the EU usually requires special authorization.

How do I determine if sanctions apply to a transaction?

It is necessary to review up-to-date lists of sanctioned countries, organizations, and persons, along with sectoral restrictions. Legal support can help ensure your transaction does not violate current sanctions.

What penalties exist for breaching sanctions or export controls?

Penalties can include administrative fines, asset freezes, loss of export privileges, and, in severe cases, criminal prosecution.

How often do sanctions and controls change?

Sanctions regimes can change rapidly in response to international events. The lists of controlled goods and sanctioned entities are updated frequently, so regular monitoring is essential.

What steps should I take before exporting sensitive items?

Conduct a thorough due diligence process, verify the end-user and destination, check relevant control lists, and, if necessary, apply for an export license from the Ministry of Industry or competent authority.

Can a lawyer help reduce or eliminate penalties for past violations?

A qualified lawyer can assist in negotiating with authorities, preparing appeals, or demonstrating compliance efforts to mitigate penalties or resolve enforcement matters.

Additional Resources

For anyone seeking further information or guidance on sanctions and export controls in Spain, the following resources can be especially helpful:

  • Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism (Ministerio de Industria, Comercio y Turismo)
  • State Secretariat for Trade Controls (Secretaría de Estado de Comercio)
  • Spanish Customs and Excise Authorities (Agencia Tributaria)
  • European Commission - Directorate-General for Trade
  • Financial Intelligence Unit (Sepblac)
  • Official State Gazette (Boletín Oficial del Estado) for legislative updates
  • Spanish Bar Association for lawyer referrals

Next Steps

If you are facing issues related to sanctions or export controls, or simply wish to ensure your business is in full compliance, consider the following steps:

  • Gather all relevant documents and information about your proposed transaction or activity
  • Review the most recent sanction and export control lists applicable to your products, services, and destinations
  • Consult with a legal expert specializing in Spanish and EU sanctions and export controls for a compliance review
  • If necessary, apply for the appropriate licenses or authorizations before making any export or shipment
  • Ongoing: Establish robust internal compliance programs and provide training to relevant personnel

A proactive approach can help you avoid legal pitfalls and ensure your operations align with both Spanish and international regulatory requirements. If in doubt, seek professional legal advice tailored to your specific situation.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Spain 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 Spain - 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.