To succeed in today’s increasingly challenging and competitive global economy, companies must comply with constantly evolving international trade regulations. Such regulations relate to, among other things:
- export and technology transfer controls set forth under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR);
- economic sanctions and embargoes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Controls (OFAC);
- import laws enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP);
- international intellectual property rights enforcement, including Section 337 investigations conducted under the auspices of the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC);
- trade remedy proceedings (e.g., antidumping duty and countervailing duty cases);
- anti-bribery laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the UK Bribery Act;
- regulation of foreign investment by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS); and
- antiboycott laws administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security and the Treasury Department.
Shipman & Goodwin attorneys possess considerable experience in each of these areas. We help clients navigate U.S. export controls and economic sanctions by advising on export licensing issues, including the classification of products and technologies and the determination of licensing requirements and exception and exemption options for specific transactions. We also assist clients on U.S. Customs matters, including those relating to classification, valuation, and country of origin issues, and we seek to identify duty savings strategies when doing so.
In addition, we work with clients in developing, implementing, and auditing export and import compliance programs and taking corrective actions, including the submission of voluntary self-disclosures to U.S. Government (USG) agencies, when necessary.
In the event of a criminal investigation, we vigorously represent clients and ensure that their interests are effectively protected. Shipman & Goodwin attorneys also conduct internal investigations into import, export, sanctions, FCPA, and other issues.
Shipman & Goodwin’s attorneys are recognized leaders in the trade community. They have been appointed to serve on important advisory groups, including the Court of International Trade’s Advisory Committee, the Connecticut District Export Council, and the ABA’s International Trade Committee. They also speak regularly on trade compliance and enforcement issues at conferences and seminars.