International Trade

Investigations

As international trade has expanded, so have the myriad rules and regulations that govern it. Failure to comply with these rules can lead to civil and criminal penalties as well as substantial operational and legal expenses.

As a business, you need to know that every element of your supply chain is working according to the standards you uphold.

Sourcing internationally

without ever compromising your integrity

Bringing Clarity to Complexity

Our expert investigators will work with you on international trade and compliance to vet potential suppliers, manufacturers, and business partners, and assessing risk. Our team has experience in handling the full range of trade-related investigations and compliance matters, including sanctions, export controls, anti-dumping/countervailing duties (AD/CVD), and customs.

Global Operations, International Standards

When working across borders, it is vital that not just the products, but every element within them, is sourced in line with regional and international laws on working conditions, sustainability, modern slavery, child abuse, human rights, and other vital areas.

Complex government regulations and unpredictable geopolitical forces are raising the stakes for businesses seeking to expand in foreign markets or protect domestic interests. Today’s challenges require a deep understanding of global trade regulations and the agility to adapt to the rapidly changing global nature.

We have extensive experience conducting international trade compliance and due diligence investigations for clients worldwide. Through our global investigative services, we work to assess political risk and governmental capabilities so you can ensure your suppliers can work effectively and efficiently.

What We Do

The Owl becomes your compliance partner when it comes to international trade and supply chain transparency. We are experienced in investigating everything from forced labor to sanctions evasions and are committed to working at your side every step of the way to ensure you are well aware of the risks and liabilities within the operations in which you are engaging. Your integrity is our priority.

Our investigators understand first-hand the priorities and goals of regulatory and law-enforcement agencies — that depth of understanding allows us to develop and offer multifaceted approaches to the issues our clients face. We also work closely with client leadership and boards to conduct discreet, wide-ranging internal compliance reviews, and surprise inspections.

Shoot us a Hoot

We work alongside clients on the full spectrum of international trade-related investigations:

SANCTIONED AND EMBARGOED COUNTRIES

We counsel multinational companies on alleged violations of sanctions and all aspects of economic sanctions. We can assist in navigating developments with respect to Russia and Ukraine, Cuba, Iran, Venezuela, and help you build and maintain a strong compliance program across all jurisdictions.

ANTI-DUMPING AND COUNTERVAILING DUTIES

When competitors seem to have a suspiciously high advantage, could be engaging in or benefiting from dumping or special subsidies, as well as circumventions. We assist you in identifying the unfair trade advantage and help you build your case against them by analyzing legal documentation.

GLOBAL
CUSTOMS

Our team has handled a broad range of customs investigations related to underpayment of duties, false country of origin marking or labeling claims, undervaluation, and misclassification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, false free trade agreement claims and foreign trade zone violations, and other compliance failures.

FOREIGN
INVESTMENTS

We assist in navigating the complexity on whether proposed transactions, such as a merger or acquisition, implicate any form of enhanced due diligence or compliance in the applicable jurisdictions.

Export
controls

We conduct internal and external investigations involving potential ITAR/EAR violations or its equivalent counterpart of the applicable jurisdiction. We combine our years of experience with practical methods in managing issues involving exports, reexports, and other potential violations, ensuring all parties are in compliance.