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Our International Trade Lawyers help you navigate tariffs, disputes, and complex cross-border rules—so your business runs smoothly, risks are minimised, and opportunities are maximised.
Dealing with international trade isn’t just about moving goods—it’s navigating a minefield of tariffs, customs rules, compliance obligations, and unpredictable border delays. One misstep in documentation, licensing, or contract terms can lead to penalties, shipment holds, or even the loss of entire deals. Many businesses enter cross-border markets without fully understanding what they’ve committed to—or what’s waiting for them at the border.
These problems don’t just slow you down—they cost real money and expose your business to risk. You might be paying more in duties than you need to, missing out on trade agreement benefits, or operating in breach of foreign regulations without knowing it. Worse still, a dispute over compliance or contract terms in another country can escalate quickly, tying you up in foreign courts or cutting off supply chains you depend on.
That’s where we come in. We help you take control of your cross-border operations—advising you on tariff structuring, trade agreement eligibility, regulatory compliance, and strategic risk reduction. With the right legal structure and documentation in place, your business can move faster, respond smarter, and operate globally with confidence.
We review your product classifications, origin rules, and supply chain structure to ensure you're paying the correct duties—and no more. We identify opportunities under Free Trade Agreements, apply tariff engineering strategies, and resolve disputes with customs where needed.
Our International Trade Lawyers ensure your trade documents, licences, and procedures meet all regulatory requirements in Australia and overseas. Our advice covers customs valuation, non-tariff barriers, technical standards, and documentation accuracy—so your goods clear borders without delay.
We draft and review international contracts with clear jurisdiction clauses, choice-of-law provisions, and robust risk allocation. Whether it’s a distribution agreement, licensing deal, or purchase contract, we structure it to protect your interests and ensure enforceability across borders.
We assess your legal position early and guide you through WTO, FTA, or domestic enforcement channels. We help you avoid escalation where possible—or act quickly to enforce your rights through litigation, arbitration, or negotiated settlement when needed.
Trusted by importers, exporters, and global operators who rely on us for clear advice, fast results, and real peace of mind.
Muzi Wen 9 August 2024 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fabian and Mason were fantastic in advising us in a franchise contract case. They have clearly had experience and were able to share with us real examples and scenarios which were very helpful to put context to jargon in a contract. They were proactive and we never needed to chase anything up. All questions were anticipated , and answered. They were able to guide and formulate negotiation points, resulting in a favourable outcome. Thank you Fabian and Mason! Would definitely seek your help in future. Harry Hoang 15 February 2024 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very efficient & high standard firm! Brett Rolfe 18 December 2023 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fabian was proactive in his engagement, comprehensive in his analysis, and clear in his communication. He demonstrated excellent professional expertise, as well as a much appriciated focus on bringing that knowledge to beat on our question. Ashok Krishnan 4 October 2023 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was in a stressful situation dealing with two separate parties, and was at my wits end trying to resolve the matter by myself. However, as the days passed, the situation only got worse. I knew I was in the right, but didn't know how to resolve the matter. I searched far and wide for an attorney who would be able to help me right away. I didn't realise how lucky I got when I found Fabian. He responded right away, understood the matter from a barebone outline I provided, and got on the phone with me. He explained the law and my rights, and suggested several possible courses of action. He was upfront about what each of these options would entail in terms of costs and outcomes. True to his word, there were no surprises. Fabian worked behind the scenes to resolve the matter, sending me templates of text and talking points that I could use, and discussing these over the phone. There was a lot of back and forth with the parties over the course of several days, and Fabian responded right away to each new development even if it was late in the night. It was very easy to work with him. His friendly and understanding personality helped reduce my stress levels and get a better handle over the situation I was in. It was a relief to have him watching my back. I will retain his services in the future without hesitation. Thanks Fabian! Martin Hucke 30 August 2023 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Boettcher Law, under the expert guidance of attorney Fabian Hoffmann, brilliantly guided me through a complex arbitration before the National Futures Association (in Chicago) against a major U.S. broker in connection with a highly complex derivative transaction. During this time, Hoffmann's professional counsel was an indispensable anchor while I was in an uncertain legal environment. His clear and concise explanations of the legal options and potential stumbling blocks demonstrated extensive expertise. With his deep understanding of the subject matter and the law, he helped me navigate the complexities of the matter. Hoffmann's exceptional ability to bring clarity to the intricacies of the legal jungle enabled me to make sound decisions on a solid foundation. Thanks to the excellent advice I received, I was able to not only find an appropriate solution to my difficult situation, but also make the most of this complex constellation. The relief and peace of mind I experienced from the expert assistance I received was invaluable. Boettcher Law's services far exceeded my expectations. Their commitment and excellence in mediation are of the highest quality. Boettcher Law is without a doubt the first choice for anyone seeking a top arbitration firm. Lisa Ryrie 22 August 2023 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I thoroughly recommend Boettcher Law. It is refreshing to find a law firm that is experienced, timely, courteous & efficient. Thank you to all the team for dealing with my legal issue so well. Annie Li 18 August 2023 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a recent issue involving a claim made against me, and I engaged Boettcher Law to handle the situation. Their expertise shone through during negotiations, where they skillfully settled the dispute. Within just a few days, they meticulously drafted a deed of settlement, leading to a swift and satisfactory resolution. Boettcher Law undoubtedly deserves the title of the best litigation lawyers in Sydney, given their exceptional handling of my case. Tanja Binder 18 August 2023 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Boettcher Law has consistently helped me navigate property disputes and leasing agreements. The team is knowledgeable and professional, and they handle matters efficiently. Communication is clear, and they’ve managed to resolve my issues effectively. Easily the go-to commercial lawyers in Sydney for me. Satisfied with their service. Oyundalai Byamba 17 August 2023 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We wanted help with buying a property that's not yet built, and Boettcher Law really saved the day. They explained the steps in a simple way so we could get it. Definitely the top property lawyers in Sydney. We highly recommend! 👍 Florian Kisner 17 August 2023 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kontrakte, Verträge, internationales Recht? Geh zum Boettcher, der ist nicht schlecht.
From compliance to dispute resolution—our International Trade Lawyers provide the legal tools your business needs to trade securely and strategically across borders.
Answers to the Most Common Legal Questions About International Trade, Customs, and Cross-Border Compliance.
By ensuring your product classification is correct (HS code), using tariff engineering, tracing origin rules under FTAs, and disputing inaccurate customs valuations. These strategies help avoid overpaying and surprise charges.
Essential items include HS classification, certificates of origin (e.g. under NAFTA/USMCA), import/export licences, customs valuation documents, and regulatory approvals like quarantine or technical conformity certifications.
Each Incoterm determines who pays for shipping, insurance, and customs duties, and when risk transfers. Your contracts should reference the correct Incoterm and explain who handles what—from departure to arrival.
Specify a familiar, enforceable legal jurisdiction (e.g., NSW courts or SIAC arbitration) in your contract so you can enforce rights abroad without uncertainty or forum shopping risks.
It depends on whether parties to your dispute are covered by WTO/FTA mechanisms, timing, complexity, costs, and enforceability. We guide you to the best path based on your specific scenario.
Yes. To protect IP, register in target jurisdictions and monitor misuse. Enforcing rights often requires coordinated legal action in each country—essential for maintaining brand and patent value.
Often. Exporting dual-use goods or selling to restricted nations usually requires licences. Breaching these can result in severe penalties—so compliance audits and legal checks are vital.
You may face penalties or detention if non-compliant. It’s best to prepare via voluntary disclosures, record reviews, and prior legal advice to avoid fines and delays.
Methods include origin adjustments, bonded warehouses, use of FTAs, tariff reclassification, and value chain structuring. These strategies reduce duty and maximise trade preferences.
A customs bond ensures duties are paid. It’s required for certain importers. While brokers can arrange it, legal advice ensures correct bond types and limits are in place.
For low-value imports, small shipments may be exempt from duties—like the US $800 daily rule under Section 321—but exceeding this means standard duties apply.
These rules require equal treatment of like imports. Knowing them helps you identify unfair tariffs and challenge them in WTO disputes.
Anti-dumping duties protect local industries from unfairly priced goods. Understanding when your goods are targeted helps legally challenge excessive duties under WTO rules.
You can request rulings from customs agencies (e.g. HTS rulings in the US). Legal counsel helps you submit correct documentation and challenge adverse determinations.
These include quotas, product standards, sanitary rules, and licensing. Compliance involves audits, certifications, and mitigation strategies to bypass or challenge barriers.
Your goods must meet specific origin rules. Legal review of your supply chain and documentation confirms eligibility for duty concessions.
It occurs when goods are shipped directly to a third party without passing physical customs at the declared origin. Regulations vary by country—legal advice ensures compliance.
Incoterms define risk and cost allocation during shipment. CIF means seller handles cost and insurance to delivery, but risk transfers earlier. CIP shifts more obligations to seller.
VACIS (Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System) is X-ray scanning used by US Customs. Knowing inspection protocols helps you prepare documentation to avoid hold-ups.
Legal review of seizure procedures—including rights to auction or reclaim—fast-tracks returns and avoids financial loss. This includes paperwork, notice timing, and customs law.
Get tailored legal advice that protects your business, reduces costs, and keeps your international operations moving.