Lays the foundations for digitalizing the investment screening process

On 5 October, the 20th amendment to the Foreign Trade and Payments Ordinance (AWV) came into effect, introducing the groundwork for a digitalization of the investment screening process. AWV allows full online communication for documents exchanged during the FDI screening process, which will be facilitated through an online portal (Bundesportal). Notably, administrative acts issued under the Foreign Trade and Payments Act (AWG) can now be delivered electronically in addition to traditional written forms. In addition, AWV permits applications, notifications, information, documents, reports, and related materials to be submitted both electronically and in writing. This adjustment streamlines the administrative process and advances digitalization efforts.

• Type:

  • Entry and establishment (Approval and admission)
  • Promotion and facilitation (Investment facilitation )

• Industry:

  • Not industry specific

• Sources:

  • recht.bund.de, Twentieth Ordinance amending the Foreign Trade and Payments Act, https://www.recht.bund.de/bgbl/1/2023/264/VO.html, 04 Oct 2023
  • lexology.com, On the 20th amendment to the Foreign Trade and Payments Ordinance: What has changed?, https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=e4f703b6-9d22-4361-a8a3-90c690acac7e, 17 Oct 2023