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    International Trade and Customs

International Trade and Customs

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Overview

With trade wars and Brexit making the headlines, the world of international trade and customs is in flux. To grow existing markets and access new ones, businesses need to be confident in the advice they receive to navigate the uncertainty.

By understanding the world you do business in we can help you to overcome the challenges presented right now in the global trade landscape. As governments and trade blocs look to forge new relationships through trade agreements, we can assist you in identifying opportunities to lower costs and shape the supply chain.

Primarily based in our Brussels and London offices, and working closely with our Chinese offices, Gowling WLG's EU, Trade and Competition team advises clients on a range of EU, WTO and global trade issues. Through our international reach, we are well positioned to provide our clients with commercial and effective solutions based on the very latest developments in international trade law and policy.

The Gowling WLG EU, Trade and Competition team advise on a range of international trade law issues, including:

  • National, EU and WTO trade defence investigations, acting for both complainants and third country importers
  • EU Sanctions
  • Import and export controls
  • Incoterms and international trade contracts

To learn more about the opportunities international trade law can offer you, please do contact us.

With trade wars and Brexit making the headlines, the world of international trade and customs is in flux. To grow existing markets and access new ones, businesses need to be confident in the advice they receive to navigate the uncertainty.

By understanding the world you do business in we can help you to overcome the challenges presented right now in the global trade landscape. As governments and trade blocs look to forge new relationships through trade agreements, we can assist you in identifying opportunities to lower costs and shape the supply chain.

Primarily based in our Brussels and London offices, and working closely with our Chinese offices, Gowling WLG's EU, Trade and Competition team advises clients on a range of EU, WTO and global trade issues. Through our international reach, we are well positioned to provide our clients with commercial and effective solutions based on the very latest developments in international trade law and policy.

The Gowling WLG EU, Trade and Competition team advise on a range of international trade law issues, including:

  • National, EU and WTO trade defence investigations, acting for both complainants and third country importers
  • EU Sanctions
  • Import and export controls
  • Incoterms and international trade contracts

To learn more about the opportunities international trade law can offer you, please do contact us.

International Trade and Customs services

Audit and dispute resolution

If you are dealing with customs authorities we can advise you on a wide range of issues. From a blocked shipment at the border to an investigation for evasion of customs duties, we are just a phone call away.

Audit and dispute resolution

If you are dealing with customs authorities we can advise you on a wide range of issues. From a blocked shipment at the border to an investigation for evasion of customs duties, we are just a phone call away.

Planning for geo-political change

Planning for geo-political change

The future of the trading landscape across many major markets is uncertain. It is essential that businesses prepare for a range of outcomes. We can help you to understand which supply chains are the most at risk and advise on mitigation strategies.

Import / export compliance

Import / export compliance

While import/export transactions can be straight forward and based on available data, in some instances this is not the case. We have expertise on hand to ensure that they are completed in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.

Trade compliance programmes

Trade compliance programmes

Operating across borders and relying on freight agents to meet reporting requirements can leave you at risk of non-compliance. We have expertise in designing proportionate trade compliance programmes, processes and controls covering regulatory requirements connected to the movement of goods.

Client work

Our work has enabled us to provide our clients with a first-class understanding of this area of the law.

International Trade and Customs - Client Work - Customs

Customs Valuation

Customs Valuation

Advising on the customs valuation to be applied at import following the re-organisation of a multi-national consumer products business. Working with our supply chain and contract law teams, we tested the supportability of the proposed value as an arms-length transaction for customs purposes.
International Trade and Customs - Client Work - Brexit

Brexit

Brexit

Working with a major pharmaceutical company to assess the regulatory landscape post-Brexit and the impact for them on customs compliance. We advised on which entity could legally act as an importer/exporter of record, the data required to complete the import/export declaration and the process for an Authorised Economic Operator Application.
International Trade and Customs - Client Work - Trade Controls

Trade Control

Trade Control

Conducting a pan European multi-site remote review of a Tier 1 supplier to the defence industry. Our team advised on any compliance risks with EU export controls legislation. We provided the Head of Legal and Compliance with an indication of sites that required a more comprehensive audit whilst ensuring business disruption was minimised.
International Trade and Customs - Client Work - Audit Support

Audit Support

Audit Support

Assisting a high street retailer through a prolonged voluntary disclosure process. The disclosure involved a review of the classification of products and the implementation of a process for instructing freight forwarders. The client was able to avoid penalties of over £300,000.
International Trade and Customs - Client Work - Customs

Customs Valuation

Customs Valuation

Advising on the customs valuation to be applied at import following the re-organisation of a multi-national consumer products business. Working with our supply chain and contract law teams, we tested the supportability of the proposed value as an arms-length transaction for customs purposes.
International Trade and Customs - Client Work - Brexit

Brexit

Brexit

Working with a major pharmaceutical company to assess the regulatory landscape post-Brexit and the impact for them on customs compliance. We advised on which entity could legally act as an importer/exporter of record, the data required to complete the import/export declaration and the process for an Authorised Economic Operator Application.
International Trade and Customs - Client Work - Trade Controls

Trade Control

Trade Control

Conducting a pan European multi-site remote review of a Tier 1 supplier to the defence industry. Our team advised on any compliance risks with EU export controls legislation. We provided the Head of Legal and Compliance with an indication of sites that required a more comprehensive audit whilst ensuring business disruption was minimised.
International Trade and Customs - Client Work - Audit Support

Audit Support

Audit Support

Assisting a high street retailer through a prolonged voluntary disclosure process. The disclosure involved a review of the classification of products and the implementation of a process for instructing freight forwarders. The client was able to avoid penalties of over £300,000.
International Trade and Customs - Client Work - Customs

Customs Valuation

Customs Valuation

Advising on the customs valuation to be applied at import following the re-organisation of a multi-national consumer products business. Working with our supply chain and contract law teams, we tested the supportability of the proposed value as an arms-length transaction for customs purposes.
International Trade and Customs - Client Work - Brexit

Brexit

Brexit

Working with a major pharmaceutical company to assess the regulatory landscape post-Brexit and the impact for them on customs compliance. We advised on which entity could legally act as an importer/exporter of record, the data required to complete the import/export declaration and the process for an Authorised Economic Operator Application.
International Trade and Customs - Client Work - Trade Controls

Trade Control

Trade Control

Conducting a pan European multi-site remote review of a Tier 1 supplier to the defence industry. Our team advised on any compliance risks with EU export controls legislation. We provided the Head of Legal and Compliance with an indication of sites that required a more comprehensive audit whilst ensuring business disruption was minimised.
International Trade and Customs - Client Work - Audit Support

Audit Support

Audit Support

Assisting a high street retailer through a prolonged voluntary disclosure process. The disclosure involved a review of the classification of products and the implementation of a process for instructing freight forwarders. The client was able to avoid penalties of over £300,000.
International Trade and Customs - Client Work - Customs

Customs Valuation

Customs Valuation

Advising on the customs valuation to be applied at import following the re-organisation of a multi-national consumer products business. Working with our supply chain and contract law teams, we tested the supportability of the proposed value as an arms-length transaction for customs purposes.

Global recognition for customs and trade

"[The team's advice] is "very commercial, coherent and clear."

Chambers UK

Recognised by a host of prestigious legal directories worldwide, our International Trade and Customs team have the expertise to advise you on both the opportunities and risks in this area.

Chambers and Partners ranks our Canadian team in tier two, highlighting its track record in handling litigation in the international trade arena. The team were recognised in the 2019 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory for International Trade Regulation.

Our UK team are ranked by The Legal 500 in tier three for EU and Competition: Trade, WTO Anti-Dumping and Customs, highlighting the "professional service with queries answered clearly".

Key contacts

David Lowe

David Lowe

Partner

Head of Commercial Contracts
Co-Chair of ThinkHouse

London, Birmingham
Bernardine Adkins

Bernardine Adkins

Partner

London, Brussels

Meet the team

Find the right person for your needs and get in touch directly
View the team
International Trade & Customs - in-page

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Gowling WLG is an international law firm comprising the members of Gowling WLG International Limited, an English Company Limited by Guarantee, and their respective affiliates. Each member and affiliate is an autonomous and independent entity. Gowling WLG International Limited promotes, facilitates and co-ordinates the activities of its members but does not itself provide services to clients. Our structure is explained in more detail on our Legal Information page.

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