Foreign trade law - navigating safely

Foreign trade law - navigating safely

Ensuring compliance - avoiding liability risks - protection against sanctions 

Companies that are active in international trade are increasingly faced with dynamic and stricter foreign trade law requirements. In particular, the changes in US trade policy and the regular adjustments to EU export controls and sanctions regimes are increasing the risks for companies. Violations of export control regulations, embargo provisions or sanctions lists can lead to considerable fines, reputational damage and personal liability risks for management. 

Political developments, such as changes in the way the USA deals with China, Russia and other third countries, mean that existing supply chains and export processes often must be adapted at short notice. Companies must ensure that they react proactively to these changes in order to avoid economic disadvantages and legal consequences. 

Our service package offers you modular support to secure and flexibilise your foreign trade law processes. Depending on your individual needs and company size, we can support you with three coordinated modules. 

1. Quick Check

Goal

Quick identification of compliance risks and immediate recommendations for action. 

Key aspects 

  • Review and analysis of the most important export and import documents (e.g. contracts, customs declarations, invoices). 

  • Review of basic compliance with export controls, sanctions lists and export licenses. 

  • Risk management analysis and initial recommendations for action to improve the process. 

Methodology

  • Quick review of key documents and interviews with relevant departments (e.g. customs, compliance). 

  • Comparison with the most important national and international regulations. 


2. Trade Compliance Audit nach Wirtschaftsprüferstandard IDW

Goal

In-depth analysis of the entire trade compliance strategy to ensure full compliance with the relevant standards and regulations. 

Key aspects 

  • Risk-related analysis of relevant export and import documents, including contracts, customs declarations, export and import licenses. 
  • Review of customs and export processes and application of exemption regulations. 
  • Examination of compliance with sanctions guidelines and controls. 
  • Preparation of a comprehensive audit report with recommendations for action. 

Methodology

  • Detailed review oriented on the IDW PS 980 standard (compliance audits). 
  • Review of relevant documents, interviews with various departments, comparison with international regulations. 


3. Investigations Trade Compliance Risks

Goal 

Conducting a comprehensive investigation to identify potential or existing compliance violations and developing defense strategies. 

Key aspects 

  • Detailed investigation of suspected cases or existing problems (e.g. incorrect classifications, violations of export control regulations).
  • Checking supply chains for compliance risks. 
  • Document analysis and communication protocols; external experts may need to be consulted. 
  • Communication with authorities and development of a defense strategy. 

Methodology

  • Extensive investigations (interviews, data analysis, document review). 
  • Cooperation with external experts and authorities to solve the problem.