International trade has long been heavily regulated, but today’s cross-border transactions are coming under greater governmental scrutiny than ever before—and regulatory violations can lead to significant civil and criminal penalties. The importance of keeping up to date in this area was particularly brought to the fore in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in March 2022, and the sanctions that flowed from that conflict. Given the complexity of global transactions and the pace of regulatory change, compliance is not easy. Cozen O’Connor provides comprehensive international trade counsel and advocacy designed for the modern era.
The firm represents clients from diverse industries at all stages of a transaction. We work with ocean and inland carriers, technology companies, manufacturers, global shippers and individual executives, both foreign and domestic, in connection with U.S. and international trade regulations.
Cozen O’Connor attorneys work with the full range of federal agencies that oversee U.S. trade policy, including the Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Customs and Border Protection and the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
Our attorneys advise clients on all facets of U.S. trade sanctions and export controls, including Export Administration Regulations, International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the myriad economic sanctions regimes. We frequently counsel clients regarding export licensing, commodity classification, anti-boycott regulations, and trade restrictions involving embargoed countries and sanctioned individuals and entities. Our team stays on the cutting edge of trade issues involving hot-button countries including Russia, China, Iran, Cuba, and others. We advise clients on U.S. Customs regulations relating to duties and tariffs, documentation requirements, contraband, cargo clearance and supply-chain security.
Our primary goal is to help clients achieve compliance with U.S. trade regulations while supporting their business objectives. Cozen O’Connor attorneys routinely perform high-level audits, design compliance policies, provide on-site training and advise on major transactions. We also help clients respond to trade incidents or government inquiries, lead internal investigations of potential violations and assist with voluntary disclosures. When necessary, we handle major government investigations and enforcement actions, appeals of agency decisions to the courts, and criminal and civil litigation.
We work closely with each client to create workable, practical and tailored strategies. What distinguishes Cozen O’Connor is not just that we understand the vast and complicated set of constantly shifting regulatory requirements, but also the operational realities of the industries we are supporting.