Blocking Statute

Law No. 68-678 of 26 July 1968, as amended by Law No. 80-538, governs the transmission of certain documents and information held by French entities to foreign authorities and in the context of foreign administrative or legal proceedings.

Requests for information or documents are becoming more and more frequent, either in application of foreign extraterritorial laws, or in the context of civil or commercial proceedings before foreign courts. By way of example, requests for information in the context of international investigations from foreign authorities (US Department of Justice (DOJ) or UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) are increasing as well as discovery orders.

In this context, French law No. 68-678 of 26 July 1968, modified by Law No. 80-538 known as the “loi de blocage”, aims to provide a framework for discovery procedures and requests for evidence from foreign authorities, by obliging French entities or entities having interests in France to transmit such documents/information only via mechanisms provided in international treaties/agreements. The French Blocking Statute provides that if those entities transmit such documents/information without using treaties/agreements, they are committing an offence and a criminal penalty.

Your challenges

Preserving the confidentiality of your documents in cross-border criminal investigations.

Protecting your know-how and data

The extraterritorial application of foreign laws and the collection of evidence by foreign prosecuting authorities, outside the framework of criminal, civil or commercial mutual assistance procedures, creates a risk of disclosure of your know-how and data abroad but also a risk of criminal prosecution if such documents or information fall within the scope of law No. 68-678.

Dealing with a request for evidence from foreign prosecution authorities

Foreign authorities do not hesitate to act outside of mutual legal assistance mechanisms to obtain evidence in prosecutions against French companies.

Handling cooperation with foreign authorities

In the context of international cooperation, the company should be able to assess the impact of the blocking statutes and should care to preserve its data of economic value relating to business secrets, know-how or technologies.

Our way

Tailor-made support for requests for evidence from foreign authorities.

More than fifteen years of experience in cross-border criminal investigations

Our expertise is recognised in cross-border criminal investigations. On many occasions, we have assisted French companies in protecting their know-how and data against evidence collection by foreign authorities. We also advise our clients on discovery orders issued by U.S. and U.K. courts in civil and commercial proceedings in close collaboration with a local law firm.

Expertise on blocking mechanisms under French and European law

We have a particularly detailed knowledge of the so-called blocking statutes, at both national and European levels.

Support for your applications to foreign prosecution authorities

Our multilingual team, accustomed to foreign legal practices, can assist you in defending your interests. We have extensive experience (and regularly advise clients) before US prosecuting authorities such as the US Department of Justice or the Securities and Exchange Commission in close collaboration with a local law firm.

Clients' stories

How do you react when a foreign court orders the production of certain documents?

Foreign courts, such as English or American courts, can order French entities or entities having interests in France, party to civil proceedings to produce documents.
Read Story
Accolades Navacelle
NAVACELLE recognized once again in 2024 in
WHITE COLLAR CRIME
Sources say: “A strong team which is able to deal with complex white-collar matters including those with a cross-border element.
The firm is very adaptable to changing circumstances and able to respond quickly to increases in workload requirements.
A very good sense of the overall strategy in any case.”
Stéphane de Navacelle once again in 2023 picked in
Corporate Compliance & Investigations
Sources say: "Stéphane de Navacelle deep understanding of his area of expertise and his interpersonal skills make him a great lawyer"
Navacelle once again identified in 2023
as one of the world's top 100 firms for
CROSS-BORDER INVESTIGATIONS
Julie Zorrilla recognized in 2023
as Global Leader in
BUSINESS CRIME DEFENSE
CORPORATES
NAVACELLE recognized once again in 2024 in
FINANCIAL MARKET & BANKING REGULATORS AND STOCK MARKET LITIGATION
Litigation & Arbitration
“ Excellent ”
NAVACELLE recognized once again in 2024
identifed as one of the Tier 1 law firm in
COMPLIANCE
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Julie Zorrilla selected in
Women in Investigations 2021 as
ONE OF AN HUNDRED
EXCEPTIONAL WOMAN IN THE
WHITE COLLAR WORLD
Stéphane de Navacelle recognized in 2023
as National Leader in
ASSET RECOVERY

Latest news and insights

News & Noteworthy content from Navacelle

Analysis
30 August 2022
Strengthening the effectiveness of the French “Blocking Statute”
Highlight on the 18 February 2022 decree and the 7 March 2022 order, which strengthen the competence of the Strategic...
Publication
The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Investigations - 6th edition
26 January 2022
Practitioner’s Guide to Global Investigations (2022) – GIR
NAVACELLE co-author of the sixth edition of the Global Investigations Review’s Practitioner’s Guide to Global Investigations.
See all news and insights

Stay ahead in a rapidly changing world

Subscribe for Navacelle insights & critical updates

Listen all podcasts