---
title: "International Trade"
id: "2043"
type: "expertise"
slug: "international-trade"
published_at: "2026-01-26T09:42:13+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-07-28T14:53:24+00:00"
url: "https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/expertise/international-trade/"
markdown_url: "https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/expertise/international-trade.md"
excerpt: "Combining compliance, strategy and resilience in global business In today’s geopolitical climate, companies face a dual challenge in managing their international operations. On one hand, the scope of regulated materials continues to expand, alongside the growing number of jurisdictions involved..."
taxonomy_language:
  - "English"
taxonomy_post_translations:
  - "pll_697736f5d2593"
taxonomy_tax_expertise:
  - "International Trade"
taxonomy_tax_famille_expertise:
  - "Regulatory"
  - "Transactional"
---

## Combining compliance, *strategy and resilience in global business*

In today’s geopolitical climate, companies face a dual challenge in managing their international operations. On one hand, the scope of regulated materials continues to expand, alongside the growing number of jurisdictions involved in implementing these regulations, whether national, European, or foreign. On the other hand, risks of inconsistency and lack of coordination between these regimes are increasing, due to the weakening of international cooperation frameworks and multilateral institutions.

Advising and supporting businesses in this complex environment requires both deep sector-specific expertise and a cross-disciplinary approach. This is precisely the goal of our international trade practice: bringing together a multidisciplinary team capable of intervening across the entire spectrum, from customs compliance to economic sanctions, from foreign investment control to commercial disputes and international arbitration.

## our Capabilities

### (01) International Trade Law

We assist companies in trade defense proceedings, including antidumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures. Our work covers analysis of EU trade policy instruments, management of tariff and non-tariff barriers, and representation before EU institutions, the WTO, and relevant courts. Each case is grounded in a technical review of rules of origin and bilateral and multilateral agreements, ensuring our clients receive effective support in their international operations.

### (02) Customs and Tax Regulation

We assist companies in managing their customs and tax obligations, optimizing applicable regimes, handling disputes, and ensuring compliance in indirect and environmental taxation (VAT, excise duties, eco-contributions, OECD Pillar 1).

### (03) Economic Sanctions and Export Controls

We support companies in complying with international sanctions regimes (EU, OFAC, UN, UK, US), conducting due diligence on business partners, and advising on export control regulations covering dual-use goods, sensitive technologies, and export/import licensing regimes.

### (04) Foreign Investment and Economic Security

We advise companies on foreign investment notification and authorization procedures in France and abroad (CFIUS, FIRB, EU mechanisms), as well as on strategies for establishing operations and accessing foreign markets.

### (05) Competition Law

We handle matters involving state aid, merger control, and antitrust compliance. Our team also assists companies in their dealings with competition authorities in France, the EU, and globally, and represents them in antitrust litigation.

### (06) Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Compliance

Since 2017, we have supported companies in implementing their due diligence obligations under the French Duty of Vigilance Law (No. 2017-399) and ensuring compliance with EU directives such as the CSRD and CSDDD. We also advise on anti-corruption regulations (FCPA, Sapin II, UK Bribery Act), forced labor prevention, anti–money laundering measures, and human rights protection throughout supply chains.

### (07) International Contracts and Disputes

Our team assists companies in structuring their supply chains and distribution networks, integrating the contractual and regulatory requirements of each market. We also advise on the protection and enhancement of intellectual property rights worldwide (patents, trademarks, licenses, technology transfers) and handle commercial disputes before domestic courts and in international arbitration.

Collective excellence

at the service of the

*highest standards.*

Team

[Benjamin van Gaver ( Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/benjamin-van-gaver/)

[Sophie Peter ( Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/sophie-peter/)

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## *Latest* News

[26/05/26 Legal Article 4 min Transatlantic litigation: when U.S. discovery clashes with French international public policy](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/legal-article/transatlantic-litigation-when-u-s-discovery-clashes-with-french-international-public-policy/)

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## *FAQ*

### (01) How does a law firm specializing in international trade secure your cross-border contracts and disputes?

International operations expose companies to multiple jurisdictions, regulatory frameworks and risks of conflict between national, European and foreign rules. Every cross-border transaction (sales, distribution, agency and joint venture agreements) requires a legal structure that anticipates applicable laws, dispute resolution clauses and enforcement mechanisms. We advise clients on the negotiation, drafting and performance of international contracts, and manage commercial disputes and international arbitrations when disputes arise. Our multidisciplinary team coordinates interventions across the entire chain.

### (02) What customs and tax obligations govern international trade operations?

Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 establishing the Union Customs Code (UCC), fully applicable since 1 May 2016, sets out the general rules and procedures for goods entering or leaving the EU customs territory. Tariff classification, origin of goods, special customs procedures, customs value and authorised economic operator status each directly impact the cost and timing of your operations. We advise companies on all customs and tax compliance applicable to their international flows, anticipating audits and optimizing available regimes.

### (03) How can you comply with economic sanctions and dual-use export control regimes?

Regulation (EU) 2021/821, applicable since 9 September 2021, establishes a harmonized regime for the control of exports, brokering, technical assistance and transit of dual-use items. Companies must simultaneously comply with European sanctions, extraterritorial sanctions and national foreign investment screening regimes. We advise on sanctions compliance (asset freezes, sectoral restrictions), export controls, party screening and economic security of investments, coordinating obligations arising from sometimes contradictory regimes.

### (04) What competition and ethical compliance issues arise in international trade?

Companies operating internationally face heightened competition and regulatory risks: cross-border anticompetitive practices, abuse of dominant position, merger control, anti-corruption compliance and duty of vigilance throughout the value chain. We advise on preventing competition risks in distribution and cooperation agreements, complying with anti-corruption regulations and meeting corporate social responsibility obligations. The interplay between competition law and ESG obligations shapes our approach for international groups.

### (05) Why choose August Debouzy as your law firm for international trade?

In a context of ever-expanding regulated domains and multiplying competent jurisdictions, we deploy a multidisciplinary team capable of intervening across the entire chain: customs compliance, economic sanctions, foreign investment screening, commercial disputes and international arbitration. We support companies in this complex environment by combining deep sector expertise with a cross-cutting approach, from transaction structuring to dispute resolution.