Among a range of other regulations, U.S. export/import laws arguably have the greatest impact on U.S. businesses.  Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements and the U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines (even as guidance only) emphasize the need for attention to entities’ compliance processes and procedures, including compliance with U.S. export laws.  Because exporting and importing are privileges, not rights, an entity’s failure to comply with these laws could result in the suspension of those privileges—with a devastating impact in today’s global environment.

Patton Boggs provides its clients with thorough analyses of the licenses, exceptions, and exemptions that govern all export/import business transactions, whether in the United States or abroad.  Our lawyers are experienced in addressing:

• the export classification of products and technologies;
• registration and jurisdictional issues related to export classifications;
• review of available licensing, exception, or exemption options for discrete transactions as well as ongoing relationships;
• interpretation, clarification, and implementation of export license requirements;
• tailoring and implementation of effective export compliance policies and procedures;
• export compliance training designed for relevant personnel; and
• export audit, review, and assessment plans to measure compliance and determine where improvements are necessary.

Representative Matters:

• Preparing, negotiating, and obtaining export authorizations on behalf of companies and law firms conducting litigation and arbitration involving goods and technologies subject to the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
• Assisting companies in properly utilizing exceptions and exemptions under the export laws, including advising exporters on record-keeping, reporting, and related requirements.