Expert Counsel in Navigating the Complexities of International Trade

Get Expert Trade Law Guidance

In the intricate world of international trade, customs and regulatory compliance remain the heartbeats of successful global businesses. At Reidel Law Firm, we’ve spent a decade dedicated to assisting importers, exporters, and multinational companies in navigating the vast sea of trade regulations. Celebrating 10 years of global excellence, we’ve stood at the forefront of international trade law, championing the interests of our clients across continents.

While trade across borders surges in numbers, so do the responsibilities and expectations of businesses operating on the international stage. Customs and other regulatory bodies demand meticulous reporting, advocating for a standard of reasonable care. Non-compliance doesn’t just carry monetary repercussions; it can levy penalties as severe as imprisonment for both negligence and fraud.

Recognizing the criticality of stringent compliance, Reidel Law Firm’s International Trade Law division is your strategic partner in global business. Serving Texas and the international community, we demystify the multifaceted import and export regulations, enabling businesses to stride confidently on the global stage. Our mission is two-fold: mitigating risks while unveiling opportunities, ensuring our clients’ needs are met with precision and expertise.

For Importers: Compliance with Precision and Expertise

You've built a successful import business, and now you’re ready to expand your reach across borders. Our dedicated international trade law professionals will guide you through the intricate maze of customs regulations and compliance requirements, ensuring your imports not only meet standards but are optimized for efficiency and cost savings. From precise tariff classification and regulatory compliance to implementing robust risk management strategies, we’re here to streamline your importing process. With Reidel Law Firm, your business gains a trusted partner in navigating import compliance with accuracy, empowering you to expand confidently in the global marketplace.

For Exporters: Export Compliantly

You've developed products ready to impact the world. Our skilled international trade law team will help you navigate the complexities of export regulations, ensuring your shipments are fully compliant and strategically positioned for growth. From determining export classifications and securing necessary licenses to managing sanctions compliance and conducting denied party screenings, we’re here to protect and empower your business at every step. With Reidel Law Firm by your side, you can confidently expand into new markets, knowing your exports are managed with precision and in full compliance with international standards.

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Classifications and Valuations

Turn complex trade codes into competitive advantages

Seizures and Detentions Support

From crisis to cleared, get your shipments moving again

Compliance Audits

Transform your compliance burden into business advantage, find savings and stay protected

Trade Risk Management

Scale globally without scaling risk, grow with confidence and speed


Licensing Approval and Review

Get to market faster, complex licensing requirements shouldn’t slow your business down

Sanctions and Embargoes Support

Navigate global sanctions with confidence, know exactly where you can trade and how

Government Investigation Support

Face government inquiries with confidence, emerge stronger and better protected

Risk Management and Compliance Audits

Turn compliance costs into business advantages, our system protects while optimizing costs


Popular Trade Videos

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FAQ

Some of the most common questions we get about international trade.

Reidel Law Firm specializes in international trade law with a focus on transparency, efficiency, and personalized service. Our flat-fee packages and deep experience in trade law make us uniquely suited to guide importers and exporters through the global trading without unexpected costs or delays. Specifically our values guide our business daily:

Direct Communication – At Reidel Law Firm, we value human touch. Our clients communicate directly with experts, ensuring timely, clear, and efficient counsel. Say goodbye to robotic menus and layers of intermediaries.

Transparent Pricing – With our flat-fee structure, you never have to worry about unexpected bills. We believe in transparent pricing that’s based on the scope and complexity of your project, ensuring value at every step.

Reliability – We pride ourselves on delivering on our promises. Our realistic timelines ensure that we not only meet but often exceed expectations, solidifying our reputation as a dependable legal partner.

While we are based in Texas, Reidel Law Firm serves trade industry clients across the U.S. We have extensive knowledge of federal trade laws and agency regulations and can help you with your import or export matters nationwide.

Generally yes, Reidel Law Firm assists clients trading iternationally. Though we may not be familiar with another country’s trade laws or regulations, we have many friends around the globe that we can connect you with. We provide guidance on cross-border trade agreements, IP protection, and compliance with international trade regulations.

Our implementation process for any trade matter is designed for speed and efficiency, with immediate protection starting from day one. With most clients we are able achieve our action plan or response within 30-45 days, following our proven approach that ensures comprehensive protection during onboarding. Though depending on your the type of matter we are asssiting with, these timelines may change.

Yes, in addition to trade law, Reidel Law Firm provides services in Texas business law, franchise law, and other areas relevant to business growth. Our attorneys are experienced in supporting the diverse legal needs of business owners.

You’ll work directly with a dedicated trade attorney who will be your primary point of contact, ensuring you receive consistent, personalized attention. Our team is always available to answer questions and provide updates throughout the process.

Reidel Law Firm has 10+ years of extensive experience helping clients in the international trade industry. Our attorneys are well-versed in federal trade laws and regulations and have successfully guided clients across various industries through the complexities of trading globally.

The true cost of trade non-compliance extends far beyond just penalties. Our experience shows that a single compliance incident typically costs businesses 3-5 times more than they initially estimate, with impacts lasting 12-18 months beyond resolution.

As an example of actual costs you may face:

  • Customs penalties ($10,000-$100,000+ per violation)
  • Legal defense costs ($50,000-$250,000)
  • Lost inventory value during holds
  • Emergency shipping/rerouting expenses
  • Remediation costs

Based on our experience protecting millions of dollars in international trade, we’ve identified the key compliance risks that most frequently impact businesses. These common violations often start small but can quickly escalate into significant problems without proper protection. For example:

  • Incorrect HTS codes
  • Misclassified duty rates
  • Wrong country of origin
  • Improper valuation methods
  • Missing documentation
  • Outdated licenses
  • Incomplete recordkeeping
  • Missing certifications
  • Inadequate screening
  • Late filings

Customs holds, detentions, or even seizures can be resolved in a a wide range of timelines. We work with our clients to address issues with any detention or hold immediately but any action by customs or any other agency is at the mercy of that agency and their own internal timelines. We have had some detentions resolved over a weekend while other seizures may languish for 2 years before a final decision is made.

Yes. Our clients typically reduce their total compliance costs by while improving protection. We achieve this through strategic optimization, automation, and preventive measures that eliminate expensive reactive solutions. If your business is spending nothing on compliance, then yes, we will cost more but you will be preventing major future costs by being proactive with Reidel Law Firm.

Take immediate action by contacting us – ever day matters in customs detention and you will have very limited time to react to customs inquiries. Our rapid response team resolves most detentions before they become a seizure, protecting your shipment value and delivery schedules.

You will recevie various document and records request by the government agency taking lead in the investigation. You may or may not receive an actual visit from government agents but you should be prepared for that evntuality and carefully manage your responses to prevent over disclosure or incrimination. Government trade investigations require immediate, strategic response. Our team guides you through every step, protecting your rights while maintaining operations. We’ve successfully managed investigations with minimal business disruption.

Still have more questions?

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Trade Resources

International Trade Minute Podcast

“International Trade Minute: Where Time is Trade,” your go-to source for the latest updates in U.S. trade law and regulations. Prepared by seasoned trade attorneys, our once-weekly podcast serves as a compass trade professionals navigating the complex waters of international trade in the United States.

Import Smarter: Essential HTS Skills for Small Business

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!


What Is a Customs Notice of Seizure and How to Respond

What does receiving a “what is a customs notice of seizure” mean for you? This urgent communication from US Customs and Border Protection indicates that your goods have been seized due to suspected customs violations. You’ve got a narrow window of time to act and potentially reverse the seizure. In this article, we outline what … Read more

Why Sanctions Screening Helps Exporters Prosper

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What is Sanction Screening Process?

Financial crimes are multiplying as the business landscape trends towards the digital realm. Another vulnerability is our move away from fiat currency. Sanctions breaches, whether intentional or otherwise, are exposing owners to higher risk.  That’s the bad news. But the good news is that you can prevent this event. Reviewing global sanctions lists is one … Read more

Importing Food Products into the United States

“Sir, put down the orange and step away from the vehicle!” commanded the official. In real life, don’t expect this exact scenario to play out.  But humor aside, you must still follow a process to import food products. For experienced importers, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements aren’t anything new.  We’ll help you meet them … Read more

Customs Clearance

Customs clearance is your top focus once a shipment has departed from a particular country. Your professional reputation and bottom line are depending on you. But rather than be a source of stress, it should be an exciting time. Because the overall importing process is nearing its final stage. Take a second to pre-celebrate now … Read more

Importing Medical Devices to the US: A Primer

As the medical device industry continues to grow globally, more companies are looking to import their products here. The U.S. market is one of the largest in the world, with a high demand for advanced technology. However, importing these products can be a complex process that requires careful planning. And obedience to strict regulations. In … Read more

What is an Importer of Record?

New importers may believe that they should handle the entire process. All by themselves. But veteran shippers understand customs requirements demand a legal entity. We want you to join their ranks. Back in 1993, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) created the role to help you get there. An importer of record. By the end of … Read more

What are the Penalties for Violating Export Control Laws and Regulations

“Those vials wouldn’t happen to contain bubonic plague would they?” asked the security official. “O no sir, they are just regular diseases,” replied the college professor. Back in 2003, a teacher at Texas Tech University was subject to criminal penalties for lying about vials from Tanzania. His willful violation resulted in 2 years of prison … Read more

Export Restrictions to China: A Primer

Entrepreneurs have always desired to open up new international markets.  But trading with nations under sanctions adds red tape. In 2020, we shipped $124.5 billion worth of goods to China.  This was a 17% increase from the previous year. Since then, our business dealings with the nation have only grown. By the end of this … Read more

Sanctions Screening: Definition, Importance, & Risks

Discover the definition, importance, and risks of sanctions screening in this informative article.