International Trade Attorneys and Customs Compliance Lawyers
Importers and exporters need experienced customs attorneys to navigate CBP enforcement, tariff disputes, and trade compliance requirements. OFW Law’s Washington DC team has decades of experience representing clients before CBP, ITC, and WTO while identifying lawful duty savings opportunities.
Importers, exporters, and manufacturers need experienced customs attorneys to navigate CBP enforcement proceedings, tariff disputes, and trade compliance requirements. OFW Law’s Washington DC international trade attorneys have decades of experience representing clients before Customs and Border Protection, the International Trade Commission, and the World Trade Organization while identifying opportunities for lawful duty savings.
Our Customs & Trade Legal Services
CBP Enforcement Defense & Prior Disclosure
Represent importers in CBP enforcement proceedings including detentions, seizures, and penalties. We have successfully resolved numerous enforcement matters and resolved liability for importer error via the prior disclosure process, recouping substantial refunds through administrative protest and litigation.
- CBP detention and seizure defense
- Penalty proceeding representation
- Prior disclosure submissions
- Administrative protest preparation
- Court of International Trade litigation
Tariff Classification & Valuation Guidance
Provide advice and guidance on tariff classification and valuation issues to help clients stay compliant with U.S. laws while identifying opportunities for lawful duty savings. We vigorously represent clients when disagreements arise with CBP.
- Tariff classification analysis
- Customs valuation compliance
- Duty savings identification
- Classification dispute resolution
- Binding ruling guidance
Country of Origin & Special Tariff Provisions
Advise on country of origin determinations, quota compliance, intellectual property rights, and special tariff provisions for import-related matters affecting duty treatment and regulatory compliance.
- Country of origin determinations
- Quota compliance guidance
- Intellectual property rights matters
- Special tariff provision qualification
- Free trade agreement compliance
Forced Labor & UFLPA Compliance
Highly experienced in advising and representing foreign exporters and U.S. importers on all aspects of compliance and enforcement in the forced labor and UFLPA area. We have successfully obtained the complete modification (lifting) of four major U.S. forced labor enforcement actions (WROs/Findings) to date.
- UFLPA compliance counseling
- Forced labor enforcement defense
- WRO modification proceedings
- Supply chain due diligence
- CBP detention response for forced labor
Antidumping & Countervailing Duty Proceedings
Represent interested parties in ITC and ITA investigations under antidumping and countervailing duty statutes, safeguard actions under Section 201, and USTR enforcement proceedings under Section 301 of the Tariff Act of 1930.
- ITC investigation representation
- ITA administrative review participation
- Section 201 safeguard proceedings
- Section 301 enforcement matters
- AD/CVD scope determinations
WTO & International Trade Agreement Matters
Deep experience representing commercial interests on World Trade Organization matters and in all stages of WTO dispute settlement proceedings. We advise on Free Trade Agreement and international agreement negotiation, compliance, and dispute resolution.
- WTO dispute settlement representation
- Free Trade Agreement compliance
- International agreement negotiation
- Trade policy advocacy
- Dispute resolution counseling
Why Choose OFW Law for Customs & Trade Matters
Proven Track Record in CBP Enforcement
Our customs attorneys have successfully resolved numerous CBP enforcement proceedings including detentions, seizures, and penalties. We have recouped substantial refunds for clients via administrative protest and litigation at the Court of International Trade and Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Washington DC Location Advantage
Based in Washington DC with direct access to CBP headquarters, ITC offices, ITA officials, and USTR decision-makers. This proximity enables more effective representation in enforcement matters and trade policy advocacy.
Forced Labor Compliance Expertise
Highly experienced in UFLPA and forced labor matters, with a proven track record of successfully obtaining the complete modification (lifting) of four major U.S. forced labor enforcement actions (WROs/Findings) to date.
Full-Service International Trade Representation
From CBP enforcement defense to ITC investigations, WTO dispute settlement, and Free Trade Agreement compliance, our team handles all aspects of international trade law affecting importers, exporters, and commercial interests.
Meet Our Team
Industries We Represent in Customs & Trade Matters
While we primarily serve clients in the food, drug, agriculture, cosmetic, and medical device industries, we have represented clients across many sectors in customs and trade matters.
Primary Industries
- Food and Beverage
- Pharmaceuticals and Drugs
- Agriculture and Agribusiness
- Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Medical Devices
Additional Industries
- Metals and Raw Materials
- Machinery and Equipment
- Apparel and Footwear
- Furniture and Home Goods
- Textiles
Discuss Your Customs or Trade Matter
OFW Law’s Washington DC attorneys represent importers and exporters in CBP enforcement proceedings, tariff disputes, forced labor compliance, and international trade investigations before ITC, ITA, and WTO.
FOCUS AREAS
- Forced Labor and UFLPA
- Entry of Experimental Pharmaceutical Products and Investigational New Drugs
- CBP Compliance: Tariff Classification, Valuation, Country of Origin/Marking, Quota, Free Trade Agreements, CBP Rulings, Broker Compliance, CTPAT, FTZs and Bonded Facilities
- CBP Enforcement: CF 28s and 29s, Audits, Detentions, Seizures, Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures, Liquidated Damages, Prior Disclosures, CBP Protests, CIT/CAFC Litigation
Faqs About International Trade Attorneys
What does a customs attorney do for importers and exporters?
Customs attorneys provide advice on import-related issues such as tariff classification, valuation, country of origin, quota, intellectual property rights, and special tariff provisions. They represent clients in CBP enforcement proceedings, administrative protests, and litigation when disputes arise.
When should I hire an international trade lawyer?
Consider hiring an international trade lawyer when facing CBP detentions or seizures, addressing tariff classification uncertainties, responding to forced labor enforcement actions, participating in ITC or ITA investigations, or seeking to identify lawful duty savings opportunities through compliance review.
What is prior disclosure and when should it be used?
Prior disclosure is a process that allows importers to report errors to CBP before the agency discovers them independently. This process can resolve liability for importer error and may result in reduced or eliminated penalties when handled properly with legal counsel.
Can customs attorneys help with UFLPA and forced labor compliance?
Yes. Customs attorneys advise foreign exporters and U.S. importers on forced labor compliance and enforcement matters under UFLPA. Experienced counsel can represent clients in seeking modification or lifting of Withhold Release Orders (WROs) and other forced labor enforcement actions.
What agencies do customs attorneys work with?
Customs attorneys work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the International Trade Commission (ITC), the International Trade Administration (ITA), the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), and represent clients in World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement proceedings.
How can I recover duties paid in error?
Importers can recover duties paid in error through the administrative protest process filed with CBP. If administrative resolution is unsuccessful, importers may pursue litigation at the Court of International Trade and, if necessary, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.