Global
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.
Expertise in Trade and Customs
Articles
Brexit: Customs & Trade
Brexit will cause a fundamental change in the way the UK trades with the EU. The guide is intended to provide practical advice to assist businesses to start to prepare for this change.
Articles
International Trade and Customs Services
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.
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.
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.
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.
Customs and trade specialists with expertise
[They are]… able to anticipate likely policy responses as well as advise on the law.Chambers UK
Our work has enabled us to provide our clients with a first-class understanding of this area of the law. Examples of past projects include:
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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.
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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.
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Tariff Suspension Application
Acting for an importer of fine chemicals for the oil and gas industry. We successfully applied for the suspension of EU customs duties on a highly technical product. This involved building a business case that demonstrated that the product could not be sourced on the EU domestic market.
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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.
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Trade Controls
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.
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 Legal 500 in tier three for EU and Competition: Trade, WTO Anti-Dumping and Customs, highlighting the "professional service with queries answered clearly".
Industry expertise
Our understanding of the international trade and customs landscape has taken our team to matters across industries. Our areas of sector expertise include:
Contact our international team
Our team of trade and customs specialists have the expertise and knowledge to support you with the challenges you face. Contact us today to navigate the uncertainty and find new opportunities.
Contact the team
Ursula has over ten years of customs and global trade advisory experience in Europe and Asia. She assists businesses in navigating the complex and ever-changing trade environment with practical advice and solutions. Ursula assists clients with compliance challenges while maintaining a focus on broader commercial objectives and sensitivities.
*Non-solicitor
Bernardine Adkins
Partner, Head of EU, Trade and Competition (UK)
Bernardine has over 25 years' experience in EU, trade and competition law. She provides strategic advice to clients before the European Commission and the Competition Markets Authority. Bernardine is utterly client-focused and brings the technical cutting edge to every matter on which she works.
Wendy's practice focuses on international trade law, as well as privacy, access to information and defamation law. She represents clients in matters involving trade and investment agreements, export controls and sanctions/embargoes, and all aspects of customs compliance.