Germany – New German Export Control Act: Far-Reaching Changes to Germany’s Export Control Legislation and their Significance for Exporters

On 1 March 2013, Germany has adopted a new version of its Act on Foreign Trade (Außenwirtschaftschaftsgesetz – “AWG”). The new act was finally promulgated on 6 June 2013. It will enter into force on 1 September 2013. The aim of the reform is to streamline German export control law and to create a “level playing field” for German exporters in Europe. For exporters, the most important changes in Germany’s export control legislation are the following:

• Voluntary self-disclosures
• Revised penalties for non-compliance with export control regulations
• Two working days for implementing embargos and financial sanctions

For a full discussion of these changes and their impact on exporters, please see the Client Alert on the New German Export Control Act prepared by Julia Pfeil of our Frankfurt/Main office. Read publication (English).