INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAW

Expert Counsel for the Complexities of International Trade

Over a decade of trade-law experience helping importers, exporters, and multinationals navigate customs and regulatory compliance.

Cross-border trade remains a critical component of global business and the compliance requirements only continue to grow. Customs and other regulatory bodies demand meticulous reporting and reasonable care. Non-compliance carries severe penalties: monetary, operational, and even criminal. Our mission is straightforward: mitigate the risks and unlock the opportunities, so you can stride confidently on the global stage.

I am an Importer I am an Exporter

WHAT TRADE CLIENTS SAY

Reviewed by importers and exporters we've represented

FOR IMPORTERS

Compliance With Precision and Expertise

You’ve built a successful import business. We guide you through the maze of customs regulations and compliance requirements, so your imports meet standards and stay optimized for cost and speed.

Precise tariff classification and HTS code optimization
Customs detention and seizure response
Risk management and compliance audits
Country-of-origin and valuation strategy

See our importer services

FOR EXPORTERS

Export Compliantly, Expand Confidently

You’ve developed products ready to impact global markets. We help you navigate export regulations so your shipments are fully compliant and strategically positioned for growth.

Export classification (ECCN, HTS) and licensing
Sanctions, embargoes, and denied-party screening
Government investigation support
Compliance audits and risk management

See our exporter services

WATCH

A short introduction to our trade practice

IMPORTER SERVICES

Import smarter, scale faster

Classifications and Valuations

Turn complex trade codes into competitive advantages. HTS classification and valuation strategy aligned with your product mix.

HTS classification analysis and memos
Country-of-origin determinations
Valuation method optimization

Optimize classifications

Seizures and Detentions Support

From crisis to cleared — get your shipments moving again. Rapid response to customs holds, detentions, and seizures.

Detention response
Petition for release drafting
Negotiation with CBP officers

Get immediate help

Compliance Audits

Transform your compliance burden into business advantage. Find duty savings and stay protected against future violations.

Top-to-bottom import process audit
Recordkeeping and documentation review
Remediation roadmap with prioritized actions

Schedule an audit

Trade Risk Management

Scale globally without scaling risk. Grow with confidence and speed while keeping your compliance posture intact.

Written compliance manual
Vendor and supplier screening protocols
Ongoing regulatory monitoring

Protect your growth

EXPORTER SERVICES

Export compliantly, reach markets faster

Licensing Approval and Review

Complex licensing requirements shouldn't slow your business down. Determine, apply for, and maintain the right export licenses.

ECCN classification and EAR analysis
License application drafting and submission
License condition compliance

Accelerate licensing

Sanctions and Embargoes Support

Navigate global sanctions with confidence. Know exactly where you can trade and how to stay onside as rules change.

OFAC and BIS screening protocols
Country and party diligence reviews
Sanctions-program compliance memos

Ensure compliance

Government Investigation Support

Face government inquiries with confidence — emerge stronger and better protected. Strategic response to BIS, OFAC, and DDTC inquiries.

Document request response strategy
Voluntary self-disclosure analysis
Enforcement defense and settlement

Get expert support

Risk Management and Compliance Audits

Turn compliance costs into business advantages. Our system protects while optimizing operational costs.

Export Management Compliance Program (EMCP)
Internal audit and remediation
Training for sales and shipping teams

Start protection

VIDEO LIBRARY

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions we get most often about international trade compliance and our flat-fee packages.

Why Reidel Law Firm?

We specialize in international trade law with a focus on transparency, efficiency, and personalized service. Our flat-fee packages and direct- attorney communication mean you talk to the lawyer doing the work — not a paralegal or a phone tree. Three guiding values: direct communication, transparent pricing, and reliability.

Can Reidel Law Firm help in all states?

Yes. We’re based in Texas but serve trade-industry clients nationwide. We have extensive knowledge of federal trade laws and agency regulations (CBP, BIS, OFAC, DDTC, FDA, EPA, CPSC) and can help with import or export matters anywhere in the US.

Can Reidel Law Firm help with international trade compliance issues?

Generally yes. While we may not be familiar with another country’s domestic trade laws, we have friends around the globe we can connect you with. We provide guidance on cross-border trade agreements, IP protection, and compliance with international trade regulations.

How long does implementation take?

Our process is designed for speed: immediate protection from day one, with most clients receiving an action plan or response within 30-45 days. Timelines vary depending on the type of matter we’re assisting with.

Does Reidel Law Firm offer services beyond international trade?

Yes. In addition to trade law, Reidel Law Firm provides services in Texas business law, franchise law, and other areas relevant to business growth.

Who will be my main point of contact?

You’ll work directly with a dedicated trade attorney who will be your primary point of contact. No layers of paralegals or associates in between.

How experienced is Reidel Law Firm in trade law?

Over 10 years of trade-law experience across federal trade laws and regulations, with clients across a wide range of industries — from consumer goods to medical devices to industrial equipment.

How much does non-compliance actually cost my business?

The true cost extends far beyond just penalties. Our experience: a single compliance incident typically costs 3-5x what businesses initially estimate, with impacts lasting 12-18 months beyond resolution. Customs penalties run $10,000-$100,000+ per violation; legal defense costs run $50,000-$250,000; add lost inventory value during holds, emergency shipping costs, and remediation expenses.

What are the most common trade violations for businesses?

From a decade of protecting millions in international trade, the recurring violations are: incorrect HTS codes, misclassified duty rates, wrong country of origin, improper valuation methods, missing documentation, outdated licenses, incomplete recordkeeping, missing certifications, inadequate screening, and late filings.

How quickly can you resolve a customs hold or detention?

Timelines vary widely. We act on detentions immediately, but any agency action runs at the agency’s pace. We’ve resolved detentions over a single weekend; we’ve also handled seizures that took two years to reach a final decision. Either way, fast response on day one is what protects the outcome.

Can you help reduce our current compliance costs?

Yes. Our clients typically reduce total compliance costs while improving protection — through strategic optimization, automation, and preventive measures that eliminate expensive reactive solutions.

What do I do if my shipment is detained by customs?

Take immediate action by contacting us — every day matters in a customs detention, and you have limited time to react to customs inquiries. Our rapid-response team resolves most detentions before they become seizures.

What happens during a government trade investigation?

You’ll receive document and records requests from the lead agency. You may or may not receive a visit from government agents — be prepared for that possibility and manage your responses carefully to avoid over-disclosure or incrimination. Our team guides you through every step.

RESOURCES

Trade Resources

Podcasts, courses, and reference tools for importers and exporters.

International Trade Minute Podcast

Where time is trade. A weekly podcast with the latest updates in U.S. trade law and regulations, prepared by seasoned trade attorneys.

Listen on Apple Podcasts →

Import Smarter: Essential HTS Skills for Small Businesses

Coming soon — a focused course on Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification for small-business importers.

INSIGHTS

Our Latest Trade Articles

Plain-English analysis on U.S. trade law, customs, sanctions, and export compliance.

Schuyler 'Rocky' Reidel · July 29, 2025