Lakewood International Trade Lawyer

International trade law involves federal regulations that most business attorneys rarely encounter. For example:

• Export controls determine which technologies and products can leave the country, with violations carrying criminal penalties.
• The Treasury Department maintains sanctions lists that change weekly.
• Customs regulations affect every shipment, with classification decisions impacting duty rates by thousands of dollars.

A business lawyer who handles contracts and corporate structure won't know these rules, and one wrong assumption about export licensing or sanctions compliance can shut down an entire transaction.

Pricing varies based on what your company needs. Single export license applications might cost $3,000-8,000. Customs classification opinions run $1,500-4,000 per product. Full compliance audits start around $15,000.

Many attorneys bill $400-600 hourly for ongoing advice, but we structure fees differently to help clients budget. During your consultation, we'll assess your needs and provide clear pricing options.

The answer depends on what you're trading and where. Companies importing basic consumer goods with clear classifications might work successfully with just a customs broker. But businesses exporting technology, entering restricted markets, or facing significant regulatory exposure benefit from legal guidance.

Compare compliance costs against potential penalties and business disruption. For many companies, a proper legal structure guided by a lawyer prevents problems that would cost far more to resolve later.

First, tariffs and duties make imported goods more expensive, sometimes pricing them out of markets entirely. Second, regulatory barriers include product standards, testing requirements, and certification processes that vary by country. These non-tariff barriers often cost more than duties themselves. Third, political restrictions through embargoes and sanctions programs limit which countries and entities you can trade with.

All three types overlap and interact, making international business planning particularly challenging.

A free trade agreement is a treaty that reduces barriers between member countries. While people focus on tariff elimination, modern agreements cover much more. They establish rules for services, investment, intellectual property, and dispute resolution.

For businesses, these agreements offer both benefits and obligations. You gain market access advantages but must prove your products qualify through detailed documentation and compliance procedures.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement replaced NAFTA in 2020, updating trade rules for North America. The agreement introduced new provisions for digital commerce, labor standards, and automotive manufacturing.

For Colorado businesses, USMCA matters because Mexico and Canada are major trading partners. The agreement's rules of origin determine whether your products qualify for duty-free treatment, which can significantly impact pricing and competitiveness.