International Trade Solicitors
Regulatory & Compliance
- Strategic counsel and advice to companies involved in foreign trade.
- Support for export control, trade agreements, and customs regulations.
Legal Support for Businesses Trading Across Borders
Whether you are a London-based business expanding into new international markets or an overseas company looking to establish a presence in the UK, cross-border trade brings a distinct set of legal obligations. Gurve Legal advises SMEs, owner-managed businesses and commercial operators on the full range of international trade law, from export contracts and sanctions compliance to distribution agreements and inward investment structuring.
International trade law has become considerably more complex since Brexit, with UK businesses now operating under a separate legal framework from their EU counterparts. Compliance requirements around customs, tariffs, sanctions and supply chain due diligence have all increased, and the consequences of getting them wrong range from regulatory fines to reputational damage and disrupted operations.
Our international trade solicitors provide practical, commercially focused advice that helps businesses move confidently across borders without unnecessary legal exposure.
Our International Trade Legal Services
Cross-Border Commercial Contracts
Trading internationally requires contracts that reflect the added complexity of different legal systems, currencies, jurisdictions and dispute resolution mechanisms. Our commercial contracts solicitors draft and review international supply agreements, sale of goods contracts, agency and distribution agreements, and service contracts for businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions.
- International supply and procurement agreements
- Agency and distribution agreements for new markets
- Cross-border terms and conditions
- Choice of law and jurisdiction clauses
Sanctions and Export Controls Compliance
UK businesses are subject to sanctions regimes administered by the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), as well as export control requirements under the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU). We advise companies on their sanctions obligations, help them build compliance programmes and act for businesses under investigation for potential sanctions breaches. We act for both businesses seeking licences and those facing regulatory scrutiny.
- OFSI sanctions compliance advice
- Export licence applications and advice
- Sanctions screening and due diligence frameworks
- Responding to OFSI or ECJU investigations
Customs, Tariffs and Import/Export Compliance
Post-Brexit customs rules have created significant compliance obligations for businesses importing and exporting goods between the UK and EU. We advise on tariff classification, rules of origin, customs valuation and duty relief schemes. Our team works alongside businesses to reduce unnecessary duty costs and ensure that customs processes are legally sound and operationally efficient.
- Tariff classification and rules of origin advice
- Customs valuation and duty relief
- Import and export documentation requirements
- Post-Brexit trade compliance reviews
Inward Investment into the UK
Overseas businesses looking to enter the UK market need practical legal support across multiple areas. Gurve Legal advises on the right corporate structure for UK operations, employment law requirements and commercial property considerations. Our M&A solicitors also act on acquisitions of UK businesses by overseas buyers, advising on due diligence, deal structuring and post-completion integration.
- UK corporate structure and company formation
- Acquisition of UK companies by overseas buyers
- Employment law advice for overseas businesses entering the UK
- Corporate immigration support for international hires
UK Businesses Expanding Overseas
Entering a new international market involves commercial, regulatory and legal risks that must be managed from the outset. We advise UK businesses on structuring their overseas operations, protecting their intellectual property in new jurisdictions, and ensuring that their commercial relationships with overseas partners are properly documented and enforceable. Our intellectual property solicitors advise on trade mark protection and licensing across borders.
- Overseas market entry structuring and advice
- International joint ventures and partnerships
- IP protection and licensing in new jurisdictions
- Overseas distributor and agent agreements
International Trade Disputes
When cross-border commercial relationships break down, resolving disputes efficiently is essential. We advise businesses on their options, whether through negotiation, arbitration or litigation, and act for both claimants and defendants in international commercial disputes. Our dispute resolution solicitors have experience handling cross-border contract claims and enforcement across multiple jurisdictions.
- International contract disputes and enforcement
- Cross-border arbitration advice
- Trade-related injunctions and urgent relief
- Dispute resolution clause drafting and review
Why Choose Gurve Legal
We Act for Both Sides of the Border
We advise UK businesses expanding internationally and overseas businesses entering the UK market. We act for buyers and sellers in cross-border transactions, and for both importers and exporters on compliance matters. This dual perspective means we understand the full picture and can anticipate issues from both directions before they become problems.
Practical Advice for Growing Businesses
Large-firm international trade practices are built for multinationals with global supply chains and dedicated compliance teams. Gurve Legal works with SMEs and owner-managed businesses that need the same quality of legal advice delivered in plain English, at a scale that is proportionate to their operations. We focus on what your business actually needs, not on building unnecessary complexity.
Post-Brexit Expertise That Matters for SMEs
The shift to a UK-specific trade framework since Brexit has created compliance obligations that many smaller businesses are still navigating. Our solicitors provide clear advice on the practical implications for your specific trade flows, whether you are dealing with customs issues, contract renegotiations or changes to your supply chain arrangements.
Joined-Up Advice Across Trade-Related Areas
International trade rarely involves just one area of law. A single market entry can require input on corporate structure, commercial contracts, employment law, immigration and intellectual property. Gurve Legal brings all of these together in one place, so you receive consistent, coordinated advice rather than being passed between different specialists.
Speak to Our International Trade Solicitors Today
Whether you are entering a new market for the first time, reviewing your post-Brexit compliance position or dealing with a cross-border dispute, Gurve Legal can help. Our solicitors provide clear, practical advice that lets your business move forward with confidence.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation.