International Trade Castro Barros is prepared to assist companies, associations and governments regarding international transactions, regulatory aspects, resolution of controversies, trade policies and impacts of international trade agreements and treaties. The Office acts on behalf of clients before Brazilian and foreign government organs in relation to any subject involved in international trade, covering the following areas: Commercial Contracts and Negotiations assistance to Brazilian and foreign exporters in analyzing and negotiating international contracts, including purchase and sale, transport and financing, as well as all aspects of import and export operations; assistance to exporters regarding abusive trade practices and external barriers; and legal advice to companies in identifying and implementing trade and investment policies. Customs Regulations assistance in administrative processes before Brazilian customs authorities and to Brazilian exporters involving problems faced abroad; and assistance to companies and trade associations to assure customs authorities respect rights. Commercial Defense (subsidies, antidumping and compensatory rights) assistance to companies, associations or governments before the competent authorities in relation to filing and pursuing commercial defense actions, as well as in relation to the application of compensatory measures; assistance to exporters whose products are being investigated abroad for dumping or for receiving subsidies, with analysis of the legality of any protective measures imposed; and analysis of the legality of trade barriers encountered by Brazilian exporters abroad and foreign exporters in Brazil. Access to Markets Assistance to national or foreign producers in developing mechanisms for easing or overcoming tariffs and protective barriers. International Treaties Assistance to companies, associations and governments in relation to the impacts of preferred duty zones, free trade zones, customs unions, and free trade agreements, including support in ongoing negotiations; and Assistance regarding the determination and legality of rules of product origin and tariff classification. Mercosur – Southern Cone Common Market Assistance to companies, associations and governments regarding legal and commercial questions under the Treaty of Asuncion, Brasília Protocol, Ouro Preto Protocol and Olivos Protocol, including legal solution of controversies. World Trade Organization – WTO Assistance regarding the legality of trade practices in light of the multilateral rules of WTO agreements, as applied to goods and services and intellectual property; and Assistance and defense in disputes involving the WTO at all stages, from prior consultation to the formation of panels, arbitration and appeals, as well as analysis of the legality of compensations and suspensions of obligations in relation to annulments or damages suffered. Trade Disputes Formulation of international private arbitration mechanisms; Legal assistance in mediation and negotiation of trade disputes; Assistance in resolving controversies through international arbitration; and Enforcement of foreign judicial or arbitration decisions in Brazil.