Grunfeld, Desiderio, Lebowitz, Silverman & Klestadt LLP is one of the nation's largest law firms devoted exclusively to international trade and Customs matters. The firm represents a wide variety of clients, ranging from privately held corporations to Fortune 500 companies engaged in the manufacture and distribution of textiles, consumer electronics, computer and telecommunications equipment, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, automotive products, steel, wearing apparel, and other consumer and industrial products. Our clients include domestic and foreign manufacturers, importers, trading companies, Customs brokers, trade associations and foreign trade associations. The firm's lawyers have substantial experience practicing before the U.S. government agencies responsible for the administration and enforcement of our international trade and Customs laws. Many of our lawyers gained experience with the Customs Service, Department of Commerce, International Trade Commission, Court of International Trade, and the Department of Justice. Customs duties are a significant element of an importer's operating expense. Proper planning can reduce import duties, provide certainty regarding duty assessments, and ensure compliance with relevant laws, thereby maximizing profits and minimizing liabilities. The rules and regulations that govern customs and international trade matters are in a constant state of change. We believe that attorneys who devote their energies exclusively to this discipline can best serve the interests of any company engaged in international trade. As a result of our many years of experience and a broad-based clientele, we are often in a unique position to anticipate problems before they arise and to resolve issues once they are identified. We encourage companies to review their transactions to minimize duties and avoid compliance problems with the U.S. Customs Service, and other administrative agencies regulating international trade. It is our belief that Customs and trade issues must be treated in the same manner as other financial planning matters. Proper planning of a company's manufacturing and import/export activities will both help a company avoid unexpected assessments and frequently generate significant savings.