Global markets, clear rules

Legal security in international trade

International business not only brings opportunities but also many legal duties. Whether it’s export controls, embargoes, sanctions lists or customs procedures – violation can have serious financial and legal consequences.

We’ll assist you with implementing complex rules in the law governing customs and foreign trade and payments, with minimising risks and with putting your global processes on a firm footing.

This allows you to be successful internationally, with the maximum of legal certainty.

Something you can rely on.

So that your international transactions are legally watertight, we’ll support you with:

  • Interdisciplinary advisory – legal and tax experts work hand in glove, so you can take advantage of coordinated solutions.
  • Export controls under control – we check products, companies and recipients, so you don’t risk violations.
  • Sanctions & embargo checks – we create clarity when the rules are complex so your supply chains don’t grind to a halt.
  • Legally watertight procedures & representation – we’ll provide assistance with applications, permits and disputes so you are covered in your dealings with the authorities and courts.

 

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We safeguard your rights with the authorities.

Customs and foreign trade law is complex and mistakes can easily be made. Incorrect or missing information can quickly lead to back-charges, fines or criminal charges. We’ll represent your interests and ensure legal certainty – from appeals to taking legal action to assistance with customs and foreign trade and payments audits.

Our services include:

  • Appeals and legal proceedings against customs and tax assessment notices
  • Proceedings to have unjustified duties refunded
  • Assistance with customs, foreign trade and payments and preferential origin audits
  • Representation at authorities and before the courts 

Many legal issues also have a tax dimension – such as import VAT or excise taxes.

Secure processes, practical relief.

What’s important in daily business is that customs procedures are cleared in a legally certain and efficient way. We provide operational assistance with customs clearance, optimise processes and temporarily take on management responsibilities, so your company can function at all times.

Our services include:

  • Optimising customs clearance and classifications
  • Making use of preferential regimes and tax exemptions
  • Support with in-house implementation or outsourcing
  • Interim solutions for management

For stable and clear processes.

Legal certainty needs functioning structures. We analyse your existing processes, design processes to be efficient and help set up internal control systems. This gives you the foundation for lasting compliance and international competitiveness.

Our services include:

  • Analysis and optimisation of internal processes
  • Support with designing ERP and IT processes
  • Setting up of internal control and compliance structures
  • Permit management (e.g. AEO status, simplified procedure)
  • Advice on market access, particularly to the EU and Turkey

Knowledge transfer for your team.

Legal and customs issues can only be effectively implemented if staff can understand and apply them. We provide practical knowledge in seminars and workshops, customised to your organisation.

Our services include:

  • In-house training courses on customs, foreign trade and payments and excise tax law
  • Workshops on specific practical issues 
  • Seminars and presentations for specialists and managers

Our experts for you on foreign trade and payments

Stefan Ulrich
Stefan Ulrich
Partner
Duesseldorf
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      Frequently asked questions on foreign trade and payments

      Breaching export control law or embargo regulations can have serious consequences: high fines, criminal charges including custodial sentences, the loss of permits and considerable reputational damage.

      We’ll check your business dealings in advance and assist you with setting up legally watertight processes so it won’t come to that.

      The most important procedures are:

      • Release for free circulation (goods remain permanently in the EU, import duties are collected).
      • Special procedures (e.g. customs warehousing, inward/outward processing, temporary admission). 
      • Export procedure (goods leave the EU and are cleared for customs on export).

      We’ll help you choose the right procedure and clear it legally.

      The Union Customs Code (UCC) code is the main legal basis for customs law in the EU. It defines the processes and duties on importation, exportation and transit.

      The “UCC format” is the name for the standardised form of electronic customs declarations that is obligatory across the EU. We’ll ensure that your processes and IT systems meet the requirements of the UCC.

      Companies have to check whether business partners, countries or products are affected by sanctions or embargoes. Doing business with listed persons or states is prohibited and may be a punishable offence.

      We’ll support you with setting up automated checking processes and internal control systems so your business dealings remain compliant.

      An “Authorised Economic Operator” (AEO) certificate is a certificate issued by the EU to particularly reliable companies in international goods business.

      The benefits include simplified customs procedures, fewer controls and a faster flow of goods. We’ll assist you with everything from making the application all the way to successfully obtaining the permit.

      The authorities examine whether your company is applying the rules correctly. Documentation, processes and IT systems are also examined. Errors can lead to additional charges or sanctions.

      We’ll get you ready, assist you with the audit and represent your interests with the authorities.

      External support is a good idea when entering international markets, exporting sensitive goods or applying complex customs procedures. Legal assistance is also advisable when you are unsure about sanctions lists or before an audit.

      Taking advice in advance reduces risks and allows processes to run smoothly.