Customs & Foreign Trade Law

Customs law issues are of great importance for companies with international flows of goods. We have successfully advised and represented our clients in this area for many years. A special focus is on the ongoing support of importers, shippers as well as transport and logistics companies. We therefore have special expertise in the areas of customs duties and excise taxes. 

Besides preventive counselling we represent our clients in customs tax audits, in opposition proceedings against assessment notices on import duties as well as in customs law proceedings before the Financial Courts and the European Institutions.

We also provide our clients with comprehensive support in complying with foreign trade law requirements. These include, in particular, export controls, sanctions and embargo regulations as well as authorisation requirements under the Foreign Trade and Payments Act (AWG) and the Foreign Trade and Payments Ordinance (AWV). We provide preventative advice on the legally compliant organisation of your export processes and also represent you in dealings with the relevant authorities such as the customs administration and the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA).

The national and international regulations in foreign trade law are complex and constantly changing. For companies operating across borders, it is essential to deal with the requirements at an early stage in order to minimise liability risks.

We can assist you in these areas:

• Customs tariff classification
• Pricing issues
• Preferential arrangements
• Anti-dumping measures
• Advice in customs audits
• Representation in customs procedures
• Confiscation at the border in case of parallel imports or counterfeit products
• Export licences
• Export control law review of business processes
• Advice on embargo and sanctions regulations
• Application for export licences with BAFA
• Compliance measures in foreign trade law