International Trade & Customs Compliance Attorney

Helping Companies Ensure OFAC Sanctions, ITAR/EAR Export Controls, Tariffs & Customs Compliance in International Trade.

  • Licensed Attorney Practicing International Trade Compliance

  • Licensed Customs Broker

  • Certified Global Sanctions Specialist

  • Certified US Export Controls Officer

  • 25+ Years Experience in Government, Industry & Legal Counsel Roles

  • Experience With Law Firms and In-House Trade Counsel Roles

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Comprehensive Trade Compliance Legal Services For Businesses

Expert guidance across export controls, sanctions, and import/customs compliance to help your business meet complex U.S. and international trade regulations.

Export Control Compliance (ITAR / EAR)

Classification, licensing, internal policy development, transaction reviews, program implementation, disclosures, root cause analysis, red flags, mitigation, diversion risks, supply chain controls etc.

Sanctions Compliance (OFAC)

Primary and secondary sanctions, screening, ownership review, OFAC 50% rule, transaction review, licenses, SDN delisting, internal policy development and implementation, risk mitigation, embargoes, OFAC representation etc.

Customs & Tariff Compliance

HTSUS Classification, Valuation, Licensing, Partner government agency regulation, Substantial transformation, Free Trade Agreements, Tariffs, Tariff engineering, Refunds, Disclosures, Protests, Litigation, etc.

Trade Risk Assessments & Training

Tailored compliance training and risk analysis for internal teams across global business units.

Other Trade Compliance Support

Contract reviews, CF 28/29 notice responses, seizure notices, currency seizures, voluntary disclosures, investigations, risk mitigation etc.

Why Choose Us?

25+ Years Experience

Licensed Attorney

Licensed US Customs Broker

Certified Global Sanctions Specialist

Certified US Export Controls Officer

Joe Valentine, J.D., LL.M., M.B.A.

Trade Compliance Consulting

With over two decades of experience in international trade compliance, I provide strategic legal counsel to companies navigating complex export controls, sanctions, and customs regulations. I have served in legal, regulatory, and in-house roles across the United States and Asia — including with two governments, major trade law firms and Fortune 500 companies in the aerospace, defense, automotive, telecommunications, technology, and energy sectors.

As a licensed attorney, Licensed U.S. Customs Broker, and a Certified Global Sanctions Specialist, I bring deep regulatory insight and practical business experience to every engagement. My 500-page customs compliance manual is widely used by professionals preparing for the U.S. Customs Broker License Exam.

Whether you’re building a compliance program, responding to an enforcement action, or seeking targeted legal support, I deliver solutions tailored to your business and regulatory risk profile.

Learn More About Our Services

Click the dropdown menu below to learn more about our services.

U.S. Customs & Import Compliance

A. Classification

• HTSUS structure and General Rules of Interpretation

• Section and Chapter Notes

• Parts vs. accessories analysis

• Advance/Binding rulings and protests

B. Valuation

• Transaction value hierarchy

• First Sale for Export

• Related-party pricing/Transfer pricing

• Assists, royalties, and additions

C. Country of Origin

• Substantial transformation

• Marking requirements

• USMCA / FTA origin rules

• Antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) origin issues

D. Trade Remedies

• Section 201, 232, 301 tariffs

• Exclusions and renewals

• Drawback and refunds

• Safeguards and retaliation measures

E. Compliance & Enforcement

• Reasonable care standard

• CBP audits and verifications

• Prior disclosures

• Penalties and mitigation guidelines

Sanctions (OFAC and Related Authorities)

A. Sanctions Architecture

• Primary vs. secondary sanctions

• Comprehensive vs. list-based sanctions

B. Designations & Blocking

• SDN List mechanics

• Sectoral sanctions (SSI)

• OFAC 50 Percent Rule

• Ownership vs. control distinctions

C. Licensing & Authorizations

• General licenses vs. specific licenses

• Interpretive guidance and FAQs

• Humanitarian and legal services authorizations

• Wind-down and divestment licenses

EAR (Export Administration Regulations)

A. Classification

• ECCN classification

• Commerce Control List (CCL)

• “600 series” items

• Self-classification vs. CCATS

B. Licensing & License Exceptions

• License requirements by destination and end use

• License exceptions and eligibility

C. End Use / End User Controls

• Military end use / military end user (MEU) rules

• Advanced computing and semiconductor rules

• Knowledge standard and red flags

• Denied party screening

D. Deemed Exports & Technology Controls

• Deemed export rules

• Technology release controls

• R&D and collaborative research issues

• Encryption controls

E. Enforcement & Penalties

• BIS enforcement authority

• VSDs and mitigation

• Denial orders and temporary denial orders

• Entity List implications

ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations)

A. Jurisdiction & Scope

• Defense articles vs. defense services

• USML categories and interpretation

• “Specially designed” analysis

• ITAR vs. EAR jurisdiction determinations (CJ requests)

B. Technical Data & Defense Services

• Technical data definition and scope

• Defense services (training, assistance, integration)

• Deemed exports and releases to foreign persons

• Cloud storage and remote access risks

C. Registration & Licensing

• DDTC registration requirements

• DSP-5, DSP-73, DSP-61 licenses

• Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs)

• Manufacturing License Agreements (MLAs)

D. Exemptions

• ITAR exemptions (e.g., §123.4, §125.4)

• Limits and conditions on exemptions

• Recordkeeping requirements

E. Compliance & Enforcement

• ITAR compliance programs

• Voluntary self-disclosures (VSDs)

• Consent agreements

• Debarment and reinstatement

Cross-Cutting & Emerging Issues

• Supply chain due diligence

• Forced labor (UFLPA)

• ESG and trade compliance

• Data localization and export controls

• Multijurisdictional compliance coordination

• Board and senior management oversight

• Internal investigations and remediation

Practical Compliance Infrastructure

• Global trade compliance programs

• Screening and automation tools

• Training and certifications

• Recordkeeping systems

• Third-party risk management

• Crisis response and regulator engagement

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This advertisement is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship. Past results are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of similar outcomes. Principal office located in West Palm Beach, Florida.