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Foreign trade law - navigating safely 


Ensuring compliance - avoiding liability risks - protection against sanctions 

Companies engaged in international trade are increasingly faced with dynamic and stricter foreign trade law requirements. In particular, the changes in the US trade policy and the regular adjustments to EU export controls and sanctions regimes are increasing the risks for companies. Violations of export control regulations, embargo provisions or sanctions lists can result in significant fines, damage to reputation and personal liability. 

Controls and sanctions regimes increase the risks for companies. 

Political developments, such as the US‘s changed approach to China, Russia, and other third countries, mean that existing supply chains and export processes often must be adjusted at short notice. Companies must ensure that they respond proactively to these changes in order to avoid economic disadvantages and legal consequences. 

Our service package offers you modular support to secure and flexibilise your foreign trade processes. Depending on your individual needs and company size, we can support you with three coordinated modules. 

Objective 

Rapid identification of trade compliance risks and immediate recommendations for action. 


Focus Areas

  • Review and analysis of key export and import documents (e.g. contracts, customs declarations, invoices). 
  • Assessment of basic compliance with export controls, sanctions lists and export licenses. 
  • Initial risk management analysis and recommendations for action for process improvement. 


Approach 

  • Quick review of key documents and interviews with relevant departments (in particular export control and customs). 
  • Comparison with key national and international foreign trade laws and customs laws. 

Objective 

In-depth analysis of the entire trade compliance strategy to ensure full alignment with applicable foreign trade and customs standards and regulations.  


Focus Areas

  • Comprehensive review of export and import documents, including contracts, spot check of customs declarations, export and import licenses. 
  • Assessment of customs and export processes and application of exemption regulations. 
  • Review of compliance with sanctions regimes and control requirements. 
  • Preparation of a comprehensive report on the legal assessment with recommendations for action.  


Approach

  • Detailed legal assessment in accordance with relevant export control, foreign trade and customs regulations. 
  • Review of key documentations and interviews with all departments involved. 

Objective 

Conducting a comprehensive investigation to identify potential or actual trade compliance violations and to develop effective defense strategies.  


Focus Areas

  • In-depth investigation of suspected cases or existing issues (e.g. incorrect classifications, violations of export controls regulations or embargoes). 
  • Risk assessment across supply chains with focus on trade compliance risks. 
  • Document and communication analysis, consulting experts if necessary. 
  • Communication with authorities and development of a defense strategy.


Approach

  • Comprehensive fact-finding (interviews, data analysis, document review). 
  • Cooperation with other subject matter experts and competent authorities to resolve the matter.

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