Areas of Practice
Jacobs Global Trade has deep experience helping companies influence the development and interpretation of the full range of current and emerging international trade and economic relations issues and policies.
Whether the issue is a WTO or U.S. trade agreement negotiation, or how to take advantage or avoid a pitfall of a preference agreement or program, an executive or agency action, proposed regulations or legislation, Jacobs Global Trade understands trade policy formulation and can help businesses and governments.
We represent respondents, including foreign manufacturers and exporters, U.S. importers and U.S. purchasers, in AD and CVD (anti-subsidy) investigations, annual administrative reviews and five-year sunset reviews. We represent respondents before the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC), which decides whether allegedly unfairly traded imports are causing or threatening material injury to a U.S. industry. We also represent foreign manufacturers before the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), which determines whether imports are dumped—sold at less than fair value—or subsidized.
We have extensive experience advising businesses on customs compliance matters, including evaluating internal classification, valuation and origin determinations, along with eligibility for preferential duty treatment, before goods are entered and obtaining binding rulings to confirm those conclusions. In the event of adverse entry determinations, the firm can ensure that a well-reasoned protest is prepared.
We assist manufacturers, importers and retailers with establishing and implementing effective product safety compliance programs to ensure that goods comply with the applicable safety standards, including any required testing, labeling and certifications, and if a potential product hazard is identified, that systems are in place to promptly identify and address any reporting obligations. Jacobs Global Trade helps companies evaluate the applicability of such reporting requirements and prepare a Section 15 report, if necessary.
We provide counseling to companies and non-profits on U.S. sanctions programs and compliance obligations, including due diligence requirements, such as in connection with proposed transactions or acquisitions or mergers. We prepare license applications as well as voluntary disclosures where appropriate, to assist clients in mitigating penalties. Jacobs Global Trade also assists with the development of compliance policies and systems, as well as training.
Jacobs Global Trade has lobbied before the trade-related committees in the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, and worked closely with individual Member offices, to address legislation and to educate Members and seek congressional assistance when regulatory measures raise concerns. Jacobs Global Trade is also adept at creating coalitions to expand support and advocacy for client positions.
We advise foreign manufacturers of apparel products as well as U.S. manufacturers, importers and retailers on classification issues, origin rules and due diligence measures to ensure that supply chains are compliant with legal requirements, such as marking, product safety, and endangered species protection, as well as expanding consumer expectations regarding sustainability and good corporate citizenship, such as worker rights and safe working conditions. We also advise on Federal Trade Commission rules related to internet advertising and the Green Guides for environmental claims.