Today’s global economy brings a wealth of new opportunities for companies of all sizes and industries, but with that comes the challenge of domestic and international laws and regulations, treaties, customs and tariffs, language barriers, and unfamiliar business practices. The situation is made even more complex by the existence of additional rules and restrictions resulting from post-9/11 security concerns.

EpsteinBeckerGreen’s International Trade practice consists of seasoned attorneys with broad and diverse experience in virtually every aspect of import/export compliance and enforcement law, as well as an array of trade-related matters. In addition, the practice is supported by an extensive, well-established network of domestic and international professional, business, and political relationships.

We regularly assist clients in establishing business arrangements with foreign agents, distributors, and sales representatives, and our affiliation with the International Lawyers Network, which EpsteinBeckerGreen co-founded in 1988, ensures that our clients’ interests are protected anywhere in the world that they do business. The International Trade practice assists businesses in a broad range of industries to maximize their business opportunities while minimizing risk.

We work closely with each client to develop and implement the most effective and efficient strategies to achieve the company’s business objectives while meeting its myriad trade-compliance obligations. We review and audit compliance with all import and export regulatory requirements and the internal processes developed to ensure same.

The International Trade practice helps businesses make the most of their overseas opportunities by helping them to accomplish the following:

• Maximize duty savings and minimize duty liabilities for import operations
• Identify and resolve customs and border security issues
• Address compliance issues and resolve enforcement matters for export and import operations
• Perform reviews or audits of internal controls, processes, and procedures from purchase order, document production, and systems entry through the accounts payable process
• Examine supply chain efficiencies and recommend cost-savings opportunities (e.g., Foreign Trade Zones or changes to terms of sale)
• Ensure that Ethical Codes of Conduct are in place, including corporate compliance with labor, employment, and human rights standards and environmental laws
• Safeguard their intellectual property, including distribution and licensing agreements; "gray market" laws and other import protection; and patent, trademark, and copyright enforcement

EpsteinBeckerGreen’s Interdisciplinary Approach

Often, a trade matter involves issues touching on a variety of legal disciplines. For instance, a licensing agreement may involve finance, tax, or labor issues. Similarly, a trade-related enforcement matter may involve issues unique to a particular industry or require knowledge of international law. EpsteinBeckerGreen’s International Trade practice is further distinguished by the scope and depth of the firm’s resources. Drawing on our attorneys’ diverse knowledge and experience, the International Trade practice can craft, where appropriate, an interdisciplinary strategy to help achieve the desired results.