Trading authorisations
Preparation and submission of applications for authorisation to trade in defence industry products.
Specialist legal advice
Legal services for the defence industry
Comprehensive legal support for companies operating in a highly regulated environment – from the decision to enter the defence industry to secure international trade.
Legal certainty at every stage
We understand the legislation governing the defence ecosystem.
Our law firm provides comprehensive legal services to entities operating in the defence industry, particularly manufacturing and trading companies.
Our long-standing cooperation with clients in this sector has enabled us to build extensive expertise and efficient processes, which we apply systematically across our client portfolio. This synergy of experience delivers both a high degree of legal certainty and process optimisation in line with current regulatory practice.
Licences, authorisations and security
Scope of legal services
More than 30 years of legal practice and extensive experience enable us to provide solutions grounded in both specialist knowledge and practical insight. We devise effective licensing strategies, establish regulatory processes and help clients minimise legal and regulatory risk.
We provide comprehensive legal support from the initial stage of entering the sector through to fully compliant trading in defence industry products. Our services include establishing internal processes, obtaining all necessary authorisations, including industrial security clearance, and ongoing legal advice on commercial activities. Our objective is to minimise regulatory risk and ensure our clients can operate smoothly in the market.
Export and import licences
Comprehensive legal support for the export and import of military material and controlled goods.
Transfer licences
Individual, general and global transfer licences tailored to the relevant business model.
Industrial security
- Industrial security clearances issued by the National Security Authority for all levels of classified information
- Security vetting of individuals for all levels of classified information
- Establishment of protected areas in accordance with applicable legislation
- Certification of technical equipment by the Cybersecurity Competence and Certification Centre
IIC and EUC certificates
Advice on International Import Certificates and End-User Certificates.
Certifications and audits
Legal coordination of processes relating to AQAP, ISO and other defence industry standards.
Export operations compliant with control regimes
We have provided legal support for export operations to several jurisdictions, including the United States, Israel, Sweden, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. We place particular emphasis on compliance with export control regimes and sanctions rules.
Import licensing support
We advise on the import of ballistic steel, specialist coatings and other components from the United States, Israel, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, including the applicable transfer regimes.
Comprehensive services
Our aim is to provide legal services that go beyond traditional advice and actively contribute to the growth, innovation and competitiveness of our clients in the defence industry, while building on the tradition of Czechoslovak industry.
From the decision to trade in defence industry products to fully compliant commercial operations
01
Strategic connections
We have an established network of clients and partners throughout the defence ecosystem. This enables us to foster strategic cooperation between organisations beyond the scope of conventional legal advice. We can connect clients with relevant manufacturing and technology partners, including potential subcontractors, supporting their effective participation in both existing and emerging projects.
02
Specialist expertise
Through this network, we also provide access to specialist expertise in project preparation, optimisation of manufacturing processes and technical consultancy. Clients therefore gain not only legal certainty, but also informed recommendations reflecting current trends and requirements in the defence market.
03
Manufacturing and technological capabilities
Our clients cover a broad range of manufacturing and technological capabilities – from the production of ammunition components and the development and application of advanced composite materials to complex chassis structures for combat vehicles. This diversity enables us to connect the needs of individual organisations effectively and create synergistic solutions with significant added value.
- Ammunition components
- Advanced composite materials
- Chassis structures for combat vehicles
Beyond traditional legal advice
A network of specialist and commercial partners
We can connect clients with relevant manufacturing and technology partners and provide access to specialist expertise in project preparation and process optimisation.
Through our partner law firm, we are a member of the Security and Defence Industry Association of the Slovak Republic, an organisation with a tradition spanning more than 25 years that brings together reputable Slovak manufacturers and trading companies operating in the defence industry. This platform enables us to support our clients in developing commercial relationships, strengthening the business environment and presenting their capabilities effectively within the sector.
Partner law firm
We are a member of the Investment Support Association (ISA), whose objective is to provide professional services through swift and effective cooperation among its members in attracting and facilitating foreign direct investment into the Slovak Republic. The association brings business and investor communities together and creates opportunities for active cooperation at a global level. It contributes to the development of the Slovak economy by supporting the business activities of both foreign and domestic investors. Within the association, we specialise in the defence industry.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Slovak Republic
The Canadian Chamber promotes trade, technology transfer and strategic partnerships between Canada and Slovakia. As a member of CanChams of Europe and with the official support of the Embassy of Canada in Slovakia, it connects business communities and helps companies navigate the commercial and legal environments of both countries. Within the Chamber, our law firm specialises in the defence industry, developing Canadian-Slovak relations in this sector, supporting Canadian companies entering the Slovak market and facilitating the export of Slovak defence-industry products to Canada.
Frequently asked questions
Licensing and regulatory proceedings
How can you assist with licensing proceedings before the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic?
We prepare and submit applications for trading authorisations and export, import and transfer licences. From the initial assessment, we identify the appropriate licensing regime and provide legal support throughout the entire approval process.
Do you also advise on industrial security and National Security Authority matters?
Yes. We provide legal support in obtaining industrial security clearances, security vetting and setting the requirements for protected areas.
Can you assist a foreign company entering the Slovak market?
Yes. We provide foreign companies with comprehensive support, from entering the sector and obtaining Slovak authorisations and licences to lawful trading and ongoing regulatory compliance.
Do you also advise on international export and import operations?
Yes. We have experience providing legal support for exports to and imports from several jurisdictions, including the United States, Israel, the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.
Confidential initial consultation
Do you need to establish the appropriate licensing regime or resolve a regulatory issue?
We will review your plans, identify the required authorisations and recommend clear next steps.
Contact AK Legal