Import Regulation and Supply Chain Management

Our attorneys based in North America and Asia provide the following integrated, multi-jurisdictional services to meet the needs of global companies operating in North America, East Asia and the European Union. 

Global Customs Compliance and Planning:  We help companies design and implement global customs compliance programs – tailored to the organizational needs of the companies and in light of the countries in which they are operating.  In addition to strategic advisory services, we provide customs compliance training and draft customs compliance manuals to meet client needs. 

Supply Chain Management and Optimization:  We help companies improve oversight and controls over their international sourcing decisions as well as their logistics and supply chain organization.  Drawing on our expertise in cost management strategies, as well as customs regulations and trade agreements in North American, Asian and European countries, we have helped companies save millions of dollars by changing sourcing patterns, reducing customs duty exposure and eliminating freight and other service provider costs. 

Supply Chain Security and Risk Management:  We help companies effectively integrate supply chain security management into their overall business operations and participate in security programs such as the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (“C-TPAT”) and other programs administered by other U.S. or foreign government agencies.  We also advise companies on supply chain security legislative and regulatory developments in the United States and other countries.

U.S. Import Compliance – Counseling, Auditing and Dispute Resolution:  We advise clients on the full range of U.S. customs compliance matters, including merchandise classification, valuation, country of origin marking, and drawback and other duty savings opportunities.  Our lawyers also counsel on customs issues that involve other governmental agencies, including the Consumer Products Safety Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, Federal Communications Commission, the International Trade Commission, the United States Trade Representative, and the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy and Transportation.  We represent clients in Customs audits both Focused Assessments and the Importer Self-Assessment program, and in complex prior disclosures, penalty proceedings and litigation before the Court of International Trade and the Federal Circuit.  With offices in major U.S. ports from Anchorage to Los Angeles to New York, we are able to interface directly with local customs officials on issues ranging from intellectual property rights seizures to negotiations over penalty matters.