If you have a company that does international trade, then you’re very well aware of how complicated issues with customs can be, and how can you easily end up with a thicker end.
The matter is quite complicated, and if you are not familiar with terms such as Importer security filing, C-TPAT or Binding Ruling Request, we advise you to consult with professionals in the field- trade and customs attorneys. After all, it is by far the safest way for your business to navigate through ins and outs, and all regulations related to it.
You want to make sure everything your company does is done in compliance with the regulations, international law, etc. Hiring an expert in this field will help you always stay ahead of the problem, and in cases when it’s too late, help you pull out of the mud with the least consequences.
This goes especially for those who are just starting out. Every country has tons of companies importing goods from overseas, and the secret to their success is definitely having the right people consulting them about how to perform this.
Such businesses have immense potential to grow beyond what you can imagine at the start, but again, only with the right kind of approach – making sure everything is done according to the law. This, however, requires professionals who are following the regulations constantly and making sure everything is done appropriately.
So, all you need to do is find a quality consulting firm, that will have lawyers specialized in the field, like customsesq.com.
Below is the list of what professionals like the ones they hire, can do for your business.
1. Negotiate contracts
Starting out with importing and exporting can be daunting because in both cases you’ll be facing a lot of contracts. If this is not your field of expertise, it’s very easy to get lost. A customs attorney can help you with this matter.
Having a basic knowledge of what these contracts with suppliers have to look like will not be enough to protect your interests fully. They have to be drafted in a way to is airtight, without any loopholes that can leave your business vulnerable to exploitation. The same goes for the contracts with clients.
Experts in the field know exactly how to draft these in order to protect your interests and know all about how to negotiate your best interests. After all, international trade is what they are specialized in. They know exactly what works best for your case.
Nurturing clean relationships with clients and suppliers, in which everyone knows what is expected of them, and everyone has clear expectations from the relationship, is a safe way for a business to prosper.
2. Finance
Since we live in a world with an open market, International trade is something we opt for even in cases when we want to buy a car. People who have done this know how much of a hassle it is when it comes to customs. If you are rooky, on the other hand, it’s something you want to avoid, because it’ll give you a lot of headaches. It’s best to turn to the lawyer and let the whole thing run smoothly.
On the other hand, everyone imports from China now. You want help in navigating the legal procedure. Because customs can get back to you asking for tons of answers, and additional documentation you have no idea about.
If by now you’re thinking about how this may be an extra expense on your account, think again. Penalties for not doing things according to the procedure are much higher, and your business can suffer a lot more than money. Customs lawyers are worth every single dime you spend on them.
3. Advisory help
Above everything we mentioned earlier, the most valuable thing is having someone to turn to for advice when you are in doubt about how to handle things. Sometimes procedures will require complicated documentation, and the lawyer will know how to draft them in the best form.
Also, sometimes the documentation can take a while to be issued by different organs, and an attorney will be able to predict or estimate the waiting time in a way that everything is done on time.
Whichever issue may arise as you go, you’ll have someone who is able to advise you on how to overcome it. For example, a dispute may arise about import licenses – two parties arguing who should get it first. Having an attorney to step in and represent you will certainly be an advantage.
4. Intellectual property
Starting small? Make sure you don’t overlook the importance of intellectual property, because judging by how other businesses function in the beginning, there’s a risk you may also overlook.
Failing to handle this the right way will push you into big trouble. O avoid situations like this you need to handle contracts well and what better way to do this than to have a professional do it for you.
Starting small makes you prone to risks like this, and other legal mistakes that are similar, and even if they don’t cost much at the moment, pilling them up means there’s going to be a lot of lost money in the long run.
5. Lawsuits
Now more than ever, people will want to sue you for all kinds of things. It’s going to be existing if you choose to handle these on your own, not to mention how much of those can be lost because of the lack of expertise. Who can help you and take the burden off your back? A lawyer, of course.
Final word
If you honestly plan to run a serious business, looking forward to taking all the opportunities that may come your way, then you should think about surrounding yourself with quality people, with experience, skills, and knowledge about working in the field. When we’re talking about customs attorneys, they are an essential asset for the business related to import and trade.
