Companies trading with or operating within the European Union face an increasingly complex regulatory environment. The EU has expanded its trade policy toolkit significantly, deploying new unilateral instruments addressing, for instance, economic coercion and procurement reciprocity. These developments reflect a shift towards a more assertive and strategic trade policy, creating new compliance burdens for companies across industries. At the same time, geopolitical tensions, supply chain restructuring and the EU’s focus on economic security have led to heightened scrutiny across sectors.
EU trade regulation
Our practice offers comprehensive legal services across EU trade regulatory matters, advising on compliance, market entry, regulatory investigations, and enforcement proceedings before the European Commission (Commission), national authorities and EU courts.
EU trade remedies
We represent clients in anti-dumping, countervailing duty and safeguard proceedings before the Commission. We guide clients through EU investigative procedures, prepare submissions and economic analyses, and advocate effectively to protect commercial interests.
EU export controls
The EU Dual-Use Regulation establishes common rules and control lists for items with both civilian and military applications, including advanced technologies, software and technical data. Our team assists clients with compliance programmes, licensing, classification and government inquiries, and represents clients in enforcement proceedings.
EU customs compliance
We advise on tariff classification, customs valuation, rules of origin, preferential trade agreement utilisation and customs audits. Our team helps clients optimise supply chains while maintaining compliance with the Union Customs Code and related legislation.
Economic coercion and procurement reciprocity
The EU has developed instruments to address economic coercion and ensure reciprocity. The Anti-Coercion Instrument authorises countermeasures when third countries apply economic pressure to influence EU policy. The International Procurement Instrument restricts procurement market access for bidders from countries lacking reciprocal access. We advise clients on exposure assessment, preparation for deployment, and engagement with EU institutions.
Engaging with EU institutions and government experience
Our practitioners have extensive experience with the Commission’s Directorate-General (DG) for Trade, DG for Taxation and Customs Union, and Member State authorities. Many have held senior positions in government and the Commission. When disputes arise, we draw on experience before the General Court, Court of Justice of the European Union, and World Trade Organization panels.
Practical, commercially-oriented advice
EU trade regulations present both compliance challenges and competitive opportunities. Our approach focuses on practical advice, helping clients manage regulatory risk while positioning themselves advantageously. We monitor developments closely, assist in policymaker engagement, and defend clients’ interests vigorously when enforcement actions arise.
