Berkeley Export Control
Berkeley Export Control - International trade, tariff & customs attorneys. CBP defense. Call (818) 514-7680.
International Trade & Customs Law Services
Comprehensive customs and tariff defense for California importers at the Port of Los Angeles, Port of Long Beach, and all U.S. ports of entry. Services include CBP audit defense, tariff classification, customs valuation, Section 301/232/IEEPA tariff strategy, UFLPA forced labor compliance, duty drawback recovery, and Court of International Trade litigation.
Current Tariff Landscape
With effective tariff rates at historic highs, California businesses need experienced trade counsel. We handle Section 301 China tariffs, Section 232 steel/aluminum tariffs, IEEPA tariff refund claims, and reciprocal tariff compliance.
Free consultation for importers: (818) 514-7680.
Fees, Costs and Case Results
Where representation is offered on a contingency basis there is no attorney fee unless we recover, and the firm advances case costs — filing fees, expert witnesses and medical records — which are then repaid out of any recovery. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fee. The specific terms that apply to a matter are set out in the written fee agreement for that matter.
Where this site refers to a verdict, settlement or court order, that result was dependent on the facts of that case, and results will differ if based on different facts. Past results do not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other matter, and no particular outcome is promised or guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What export controls apply to Berkeley university research?
- University research at UC Berkeley and other East Bay institutions can trigger export controls when involving controlled technology, foreign national researchers, or classified projects. The "fundamental research exclusion" exempts basic research ordinarily published and shared within the scientific community. However, applied research, proprietary sponsor restrictions, or controlled technology access require export control compliance. Our Berkeley export control attorney helps universities navigate deemed exports, Technology Control Plans, and the fundamental research exclusion.
- Do Berkeley biotech companies need export licenses for technology transfer?
- Yes, biotech technology can require export licenses under EAR or ITAR depending on the application. Controlled biotechnology includes gene editing technology (CRISPR), synthetic biology, toxins, pathogens, and biodefense-related items. Technology transfers to foreign partners, licensing to foreign entities, or sharing with foreign national employees may require BIS licenses or deemed export authorizations. Our Berkeley attorney provides biotech export classification, licensing, and compliance programs.
- How do deemed exports affect Berkeley tech companies with international teams?
- Berkeley's diverse tech workforce creates significant deemed export compliance challenges. A "deemed export" occurs when controlled technology or source code is shared with foreign nationals in the United States. Tech companies, research institutions, and startups must implement Technology Control Plans (TCPs), screen foreign employees by citizenship, restrict access to controlled technology, and potentially obtain deemed export licenses. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $330,000 per violation and criminal prosecution.
- What is the fundamental research exclusion for Berkeley universities?
- The fundamental research exclusion exempts basic research from export controls when ordinarily published and shared within the scientific community. To qualify: (1) research results must be publishable, (2) no proprietary sponsor restrictions on publication, (3) no access to USML/CCL controlled technology. Applied research, corporate-sponsored research with publication restrictions, or classified projects do not qualify. Our Berkeley export control attorneys help universities structure research agreements to maintain the fundamental research exclusion.
- What should Berkeley companies do if they receive a BIS enforcement subpoena?
- Contact our Berkeley export control attorney immediately. Do not produce documents or provide statements without legal counsel. BIS Office of Export Enforcement conducts aggressive investigations that can result in massive civil penalties ($330,000 per violation), export privilege denial, and criminal prosecution. We represent clients in enforcement defense, prepare Voluntary Self-Disclosures (VSDs), and negotiate penalty mitigation to minimize exposure.
Contact Trembach Law Firm
Trembach Law Firm, APC
27001 Agoura Road, Suite 350, Calabasas, CA 91301
Phone: (818) 514-7680
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