Practice Areas
Customs/Import Regulations
We advise clients on entry procedures, classification, valuation, country-of-origin marking and labeling, protests, assessment audits and prior disclosures. The firm also helps clients deal with restrictive quotas and assist them in navigating the various preferential trade programs, such as NAFTA and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).
In addition, we advise clients on prohibited imports, as well as the importation of heavily regulated goods, including those covered under ITAR.
Export Controls/Licensing
We advise clients on all aspects of exportation, including classification, advance export licenses, and export certification requirements under NAFTA and other FTAs. We also help clients develop export compliance programs, including guidance on compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), and the anti-boycott laws, in order to avoid heavy penalties.
Trade Disputes
We represent clients in U.S. Customs audits, and in dealing with detentions, forfeitures, seizures and other enforcement and penalty actions. In addition, we represent clients in litigation and arbitration in matters involving antidumping, countervailing duty, and NAFTA Chapter 11. Our firm also advises clients regarding Section 337 actions, which involve the import of goods in violation of U.S. intellectual property rights.
Trade Strategies
We advise clients on developing and executing strategies that enable them to expand their businesses. We provide our clients with an integrated approach to their strategic customs planning and compliance, including design and implementation of internal compliance programs to ensure compliance with U.S. and international export control requirements, training, and obtaining licenses from various U.S. agencies. With respect to imports, we advise clients on how to obtain the most favorable rate of duty.
We also monitor legislative proposals worldwide and advise clients on the effects of such legislation and assist them in developing proactive trade strategies, including advice on activities such as embargoes, technology and end-use controls licensing and enforcement issues.
Foreign Investment in the United States
The firm assists foreign nationals in buying real estate and investing in or acquiring business in the United States. We assist clients with filings with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. and reporting obligations, as well as advising them on limitations in certain U.S. business sectors and foreign procurement limitations of U.S. municipalities, and obtaining regulatory approvals of the sale of foreign parents' U.S. defense subsidiaries.
In addition, we consult with clients regarding the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and the U.S. Buy America Act.
Contract Negotiation/ Drafting
We assist clients in negotiating and drafting contracts and resolving problems related to maintaining worldwide supply chains and distribution networks. The firm has a special emphasis on international cargo carriage contracts. Transportation costs can constitute a significant portion of product costs. We help draft fair contracts, deal with quality and security issues, and ensure appropriate insurance coverage.