International Trade

At Amundsen Davis, our brick and mortar presence is based in the heart of the Midwest, but many of our clients do business around the world. Our international trade practice is dedicated to helping companies large and small navigate the complexities of international commerce, offering tailored legal solutions that empower businesses to thrive in an ever-changing global environment.

Persistent supply chain disruptions; geopolitical tensions; and heightened focus on issues like forced labor and environmental, social, and governance standards highlight the interconnected nature of the global economy and its effects on businesses of all sizes. Additionally, authorities are introducing an increasing number of international trade policies with significant implications at an unprecedented pace.

To address these challenges and capitalize on opportunities, we advise clients in the following areas:

Sanctions

• Representation before the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the filing of de-listing petitions
• Help international clients navigate primary and secondary sanctions exposure risks

Customs

• Valuation, classification and origin, and setting up of free trade zones
• Free trade agreements, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and tariff preference programs
• Duty recovery and mitigation strategies, including drawbacks, first sales, and protest filings
• Audits, internal investigations, prior disclosures, security and compliance programs, seizures, and penalty actions
• PFAS compliance and related engagements with Partner Government Agencies (PGA)

Trade Remedies

• Anti-dumping, countervailing duties, and subsidies
• Issues arising under legislation and international agreements, including the Trade Act and Trade Expansion Act of 1962

National Security

• Export controls, sanctions, and embargoes
• Anti-boycott actions
• Anti-money laundering laws and regulations
• Export Administration Regulations
• International Traffic in Arms Regulations
• Buy American Act; Buy America; and Build America, Buy America Act provisions
• Related engagements with PGAs
• Audits, voluntary disclosures, and reporting

Human Rights and Sustainability

• Adherence to regulations on labor practices and ethical sourcing
• Modification and revocation of Withhold Release Orders
• Release of detentions
• Forced labor and supply chain audits
• Forced labor compliance programs
• Counseling in relation to suppliers and other third parties
• Compliance with EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

Maritime Shipping and Logistics

• Setting up of maritime shipping operations and related engagements with Protection and Indemnity clubs, classification societies, ship management companies, ship agents, and flag states
• Vessel registration and finance
• Compliance with Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) regulations applicable to Ocean Transportation Intermediary – Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier and Freight Forwarder licenses and FMC tariff publications
• Compliance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (and its United States equivalent under federal Hazardous Materials Regulations)

Customized Training

• Targeted training on a wide range of international trade and related topics applicable to your unique business scenarios