For most companies, global relationships with customers and suppliers are now part of day-to-day business. Graf von Westphalen provides companies, forwarding agents, insurance providers and logistics services with advice on all areas of foreign trade and customs law.

Our status as one of the leading German law firms in the field of foreign trade law has been confirmed once again in the JUVE Handbook of German Commercial Law Firms 2010/2011, which states that Graf von Westphalen "continues to be exceptional both in terms of its personnel and its various practice areas". We have also been named Law Firm of the Year for Trade & Customs by InterContinental Finance Magazine, an honour that was bestowed upon us as part of its annual Legal Excellence Awards.

In addition to customs issues, our specialist knowledge in the field of foreign trade and customs law encompasses anti-dumping and foreign trade, export control and sanctions, market regulation, subsidies and state aid, and WTO law. Our tax advisers are on hand to assist you with any matters concerning the law in relation to VAT and excise duties. We also possess industry-specific expertise in the fields of pharmaceuticals and healthcare, nutrition, electronics, new media, textiles and industrial equipment.

Our team offers advice on the drafting of contracts under civil law, as well as in relation to financing and payment security. We represent companies and their senior employees in proceedings concerning criminal and administrative offences. With regard to preventative measures, we are also particularly active in the field compliance consulting.

In cases of dispute, we represent companies against national authorities and the European Commission, as well before finance and administrative courts up to the European Court of Justice.