Protecting your business across borders

When your goods cross borders, your legal protection must cross with them. We help exporters and importers of physical goods navigate the complex web of international trade rules so that your products move smoothly and securely.

Our support covers every stage of the journey:

• advice on tariffs and other trade restrictions;

• structuring contracts with appropriate delivery, payment, transfer of risk and ownership terms and credit arrangements that protect your business;

• advice on managing risk in transit, including on allocation of responsibility for goods at each stage, and aligning your contractual rights and obligations with consistent logistical support and insurance cover;

• working with lenders and other credit providers for the provision of trade finance instruments, such as bank guarantees and letters of credit.

Why it matters

The realities of international trade often go off-course. Shipments can be delayed, customs procedures change and unexpected events can disrupt even the best-run supply chains. Without properly drafted documentation and ancillary protections put in place, those disruptions can become costly and expose businesses to penalties, uninsured losses and strained commercial relationships.

And although we cannot control international trade, with the appropriate framework, your cross-border relationships can be stable and efficient and - if a curved ball is thrown - you will be protected.