International trade

Our trade law practice advises multinational companies, governments and trade associations on international trade obligations and how these are implemented in national and EU law.

Clients seek our advice across various aspects of international trade law. This includes WTO and FTA obligations on trade in goods and services, international intellectual property rights, unilateral trade preferences, as well as trade remedies (antidumping and countervailing duties and safeguard measures). We also assist with customs law and export control issues. Additionally, we provide guidance on emerging topics such as deforestation, supply chain due diligence rules, carbon taxes (eg CBAM), digital taxes, and the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation. We regularly advise clients on regulatory issues arising out of the EU/UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and other key international agreements like the CPTPP.

Our lawyers come from both common law and civil law backgrounds, and have top-level academic and professional experience in international trade law. The team brings clients comprehensive understanding of key issues in any trade negotiation or dispute, and their legal, commercial and political implications. They also regularly work alongside other teams when trade issues intersect with national law or other areas of specialisation, particularly in trade disputes (including arbitrations) and advice on sanctions.

Recent client successes

Acting for a major global FMCG company which regularly faces new regulatory initiatives in different jurisdictions in relation to technical regulations and intellectual property rights.

Our advice in this regard has included advising on the potential for challenge, in appropriate cases, under WTO agreements (including under the TBT and TRIPS Agreements).

Advising clients in the food, FMCG and automotive sector on how technical regulations including the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Regulations and the Radio Equipment Regulations function post-Brexit.

Our advice has focused on the shipment of relevant products as between the EEA, Great Britain, and Northern Ireland, and applicable labelling and product certification requirements (CE, UK and UKNI marks).