Transportation & Shipping

Global trade moves on law as much as on logistics. Every shipment, route, and charter requires contractual precision, risk allocation, and compliance with international conventions. We structure and negotiate carriage, forwarding, and leasing agreements, manage insurance and liability issues, and handle disputes arising from cargo damage, delay, or customs procedures. Our counsel ensures that transportation networks remain reliable and compliant even under shifting geopolitical and regulatory pressures — keeping goods, people, and commerce in motion.

Relevant Legislation

European Legislation

CMR Convention (road)—via EU/member practice

The CMR Convention governs the international carriage of goods by road, providing a uniform legal framework for transport contracts between carriers, shippers, and consignees across participating states. Although not an EU regulation, the Convention is widely applied throughout the EU and forms a cornerstone of cross-border road transport practice.

For the transportation and shipping industry, the CMR Convention regulates carrier liability, documentation (CMR consignment note), delivery obligations, and compensation for loss, damage, or delay. It establishes predictable liability limits and procedural rules, enabling legal certainty in international logistics operations.

By harmonising contractual and liability standards, the CMR Convention supports efficient cross-border trade and risk allocation in road transport, making it an essential legal instrument for freight operators, logistics providers, and supply-chain participants within the European transport market.

Road Transport acquis incl. Reg. (EC) 1071/2009, 1072/2009, 1073/2009 (market access)

The EU road transport acquis establishes the legal framework for access to the road transport market within the European Union. These Regulations govern who may operate as a road transport undertaking and under what conditions, ensuring fair competition, professional standards, and market integration across Member States.

Regulation (EC) 1071/2009 sets the requirements for access to the profession of road transport operator, including good repute, financial standing, professional competence, and establishment.
Regulation (EC) 1072/2009 regulates access to the international road haulage market, including rules on cabotage operations.
Regulation (EC) 1073/2009 governs access to the international passenger transport market by coach and bus.

For transportation and shipping companies, compliance with this framework is essential for licensing, cross-border operations, fleet deployment, and contractual planning. Together, these Regulations ensure a harmonised, competitive, and legally secure road transport market throughout the European Union.

EU Maritime acquis (e.g., Port Services Reg. (EU) 2017/352

Тhe EU maritime acquis establishes the legal framework governing maritime transport, port operations, and related services within the European Union. A key instrument in this area is the Port Services Regulation (EU) 2017/352, which sets common rules for the provision of port services and financial transparency of ports.

For shipping companies, port operators, and logistics providers, the Regulation regulates access to port services, including cargo handling, bunkering, pilotage, and towage, while allowing Member States to maintain necessary safety and public-interest controls. It also introduces requirements for transparent port charges and non-discriminatory access, supporting fair competition and operational predictability.

Together with other EU maritime rules on safety, security, environmental protection, and market access, this framework promotes an efficient, competitive, and transparent maritime transport system, ensuring that ports and shipping services operate under harmonised standards across the EU internal market.

Сafety/ISM codes via EU)

The International Safety Management (ISM) Code, as implemented through EU maritime legislation, establishes mandatory standards for the safe management and operation of ships and for the prevention of marine pollution. Within the EU, the ISM Code is enforced through binding regulations and directives applicable to shipping companies and vessel operators.

For the transportation and shipping industry, the ISM framework requires the implementation of a Safety Management System (SMS) covering operational procedures, risk assessment, emergency preparedness, crew responsibilities, and continuous monitoring of safety performance. Compliance is verified through audits and certification, forming a prerequisite for lawful vessel operation.

By embedding safety governance into daily maritime operations, the ISM framework enhances operational reliability, crew safety, and environmental protection, making it a fundamental compliance obligation for shipping companies operating within EU and international waters.

Air: Regulation (EC) 261/2004 (passenger rights)

Regulation (EC) 261/2004 establishes the core EU framework for passenger rights in air transport, directly affecting airlines, air carriers, charter operators, and aviation service providers. It sets uniform rules on compensation and assistance in cases of flight cancellations, long delays, and denied boarding.

For the transportation and shipping industry, the Regulation has a significant operational and financial impact. Airlines must implement structured passenger handling procedures, provide timely information, care, and rerouting, and manage compensation claims efficiently. Compliance requires coordination between legal, operational, and customer-service functions, particularly during disruptions caused by technical, operational, or external factors.

By standardising passenger protection across the EU, the Regulation increases consumer trust and market accountability, while also generating complex liability exposure and litigation risk for air carriers. Effective compliance and dispute management under Regulation 261/2004 is therefore a critical component of lawful and sustainable air transport operations in the European market.

EASA rules

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) framework establishes the uniform safety and certification system for civil aviation across the European Union. It governs aircraft airworthiness, flight operations, licensing of flight and technical personnel, and the approval and oversight of aviation organisations.

For air carriers, aircraft operators, maintenance organisations, and aviation service providers, EASA rules impose strict requirements on operational safety, technical compliance, continuing airworthiness, and organisational approvals. These rules apply throughout the lifecycle of aviation operations—from aircraft design and maintenance to crew training and daily flight execution.

By harmonising aviation safety standards across Member States, the EASA framework ensures high safety levels, legal certainty, and cross-border operability, making compliance essential for lawful air transport operations and international aviation activity within the EU.

Rail packages (interoperability/safety)

The EU Rail Packages establish the regulatory framework for rail transport interoperability, safety, and market integration across the European Union. They aim to remove technical and legal barriers between national rail systems, enabling seamless cross-border rail operations for both passenger and freight transport.

For rail operators, infrastructure managers, and logistics providers, the Rail Packages introduce harmonised rules on technical standards, vehicle authorisation, safety certification, and operational oversight. They also strengthen the role of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) in approving rolling stock and coordinating safety supervision across Member States.

By promoting interoperable, safe, and competitive rail transport, the Rail Packages support efficient logistics networks and sustainable mobility, making regulatory compliance a key requirement for rail transport participants operating within the EU internal market.

Union Customs Code (EU) 952/2013

The Union Customs Code (UCC) establishes the EU-wide framework for customs procedures, controls, and formalities governing the movement of goods into, out of, and within the European Union. It is a core legal instrument for transportation, shipping, and logistics operations involved in international trade.

For carriers, freight forwarders, logistics providers, and supply-chain operators, the UCC regulates customs declarations, transit procedures, customs valuation, origin of goods, and risk-based controls. It also introduces extensive digitalisation of customs processes, requiring electronic data exchange and compliance with strict procedural timelines.

By harmonising customs rules across Member States, the UCC ensures predictability, efficiency, and legal certainty in cross-border transport and shipping, making customs compliance an essential component of lawful and uninterrupted logistics operations within the EU single market.

Bulgarian Legislation