International Trade and Custom

Our International Trade & Customs Team offers comprehensive legal services in this growing area, and is equipped to navigate the complexities of regulatory requirements, ensuring that our clients achieve their objectives with confidence.

Here’s how we can assist you:

International Trade

  • WTO Law & Policy: We offer guidance on navigating World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations, including representation in WTO disputes and assisting with trade policy negotiations. With a deep understanding of WTO rules and procedures, our Team offers strategic advice to mitigate risks and leverage opportunities in international trade.
  • Trade Remedies: We provide comprehensive support for trade remedy cases, including anti-dumping, countervailing duties, and safeguard measures, both at bilateral (under FTAs) and multilateral levels, helping clients’ protect their business interests. We also assist in appeals/ Writ remedies against trade remedial investigations at the CESTAT, High Courts and the Supreme Court.
  • Non-Tariff Barriers: We advise on understanding and complying with technical standards, sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS), and environmental regulations, including obtaining necessary certifications, licenses, or approvals from BIS, Legal Metrology, FSSAI, CDSCO.
  • International Trading Agreements/ Arrangements: Our experience ensures that key elements like international contract terms, jurisdiction, governing law, and dispute resolution mechanisms are strategically structured in agreements to protect our client’s rights in diverse legal environments. We are adept at incorporating International Commercial Terms (Incoterms), ensuring clear allocation of costs, risks, and responsibilities between parties. With a focus on compliance with international trade regulations and managing risks associated with cross-border dealings, we offer tailored solutions to navigate complex global markets efficiently and securely.
  • Public International Law:We offer in-depth guidance on public international law, helping clients navigate the complexities of treaty obligations, international agreements, and adherence to global legal standards. Our experience spans the interpretation and implementation of both bilateral and multilateral treaties, ensuring that your business activities are aligned with international legal requirements. We provide strategic advice across all aspects of public international law, supporting compliance and effectively managing legal obligations in the global context.
  • Foreign Trade Policy: We provide in-depth advise on India’s foreign trade policies, guiding clients through the complexities of Special Economic Zones (SEZ), Export-Oriented Units (EOU), deemed exports, export control regulations, and sanctions. Our services include ensuring compliance with Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) guidelines and assisting with the availment of several Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) benefits such as the Export Promotion of Capital Goods (EPCG), Advance Authorization Scheme (AAS), and Duty Drawback (DDB), etc. Our tailored solutions help businesses optimize trade benefits while adhering to regulatory requirements, to enhance their global competitiveness.

Customs

  • Customs Compliance:We evaluate compliance with customs regulations, identify potential risks, and implement corrective measures to ensure adherence to legal requirements. We assist businesses at every step of the import and export process, from documentation and licensing to clearance procedures, ensuring smooth and efficient cross-border transactions.
  • Classification of Goods:We provide guidance on the classification of goods under the Harmonized System (HS), ensuring accurate tariff and duty determinations. We offer strategic advice on tariff classifications, duty rates, rules of origin, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements to minimize duty liabilities and enhance competitiveness.
  • Dispute Resolution: We represent clients in customs disputes, including handling show cause responses, appeals, and litigation across all levels including customs authorities, departmental appeals, CESTAT, High Courts and the Supreme Court.

Regulatory

  • Product Standards / Non-Tariff Measures:We advise clients on the implementation of Non-Tariff Barriers such as quality control regulations. These can restrict or control the influx of foreign goods, ensuring that domestic players are not unfairly disadvantaged by low-cost imports. Examples include BIS standards, Quality Control Orders, Packaging and Labelling Requirements, Mandatory Testing, and Local Content/ Manufacturing requirements.
  • Policy Advocacy:We actively engage in policy advocacy, working to influence domestic legal and regulatory frameworks that govern international trade. Our efforts focus on representing clients’ interests in discussions with ministries, departments and government bodies, to try and ensure that evolving trade policies and regulations align with business needs.
  • International Trade and Environment: Our experience in international trade law  encompasses the critical intersection of trade and environmental regulations. We provide legal counsel on carbon laws, emissions trading schemes, and other environmental regulations impacting global trade. Our services assist businesses comply with sustainability goals, environmental treaties, and evolving standards like carbon border adjustments.

Key Contacts

Anand Desai

Anand Desai

Managing Partner