Every business that moves goods across borders is exposed to customs and trade regulation and to the duties and taxes levied on most imports and some exports. Managed well, that exposure is a source of competitive advantage; managed badly, it is a source of cost, delay and penalty. We help multinationals and mid-market companies get it right.

We review a company’s import and export activity against the customs and trade rules that apply to it, identify errors and exposures before the authorities do, and put in place the procedures, controls and responsibilities needed to stay compliant. Where errors have already occurred we advise on voluntary disclosure and on the recovery of overpaid duty.

We identify the lawful means by which duty and compliance cost can be reduced, from preferential origin and customs valuation planning to special procedures, duty relief regimes and the structuring of supply chains and trading entities with customs in mind. Our advice is designed to survive audit.

We provide reasoned opinions on tariff classification, customs value and preferential and non-preferential origin, support applications for binding rulings and advance rulings, and represent clients in disputes with customs authorities. Where a classification question has wider significance we have taken it to the World Customs Organization: our work on the classification of food fortification inputs contributed to amendments adopted for the 2028 edition of the Harmonized System.

We advise on export control classification, licensing and sanctions compliance and on the design of internal compliance programmes for companies dealing in controlled goods and technology.

We audit freight management arrangements and logistics outsourcing contracts, and advise on the customs and security dimensions of air, sea, road and rail movements.