Kelly Zhang delivers high-impact, first-in-class client service across export controls, sanctions customs and forced labor compliance matters. She regularly represents clients before US government agencies including the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

On the export control side, Kelly advises institutions, universities and companies across the telecommunications, satellite, engineering, chemical, defense and life sciences sectors on compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and related classification, licensing and enforcement matters.

On the sanctions side, Kelly obtains licenses under the OFAC sanctions programs for clients to conduct their international business activities, including the transfer of technology and provision of services. She also advises on exemptions and use of OFAC general licenses.

On the Customs side, Kelly works with companies to solve their import regulatory compliance problems. She leads clients across industries and sectors toward beneficial tariff classifications, duty options under free trade agreements and special import procedures. Kelly advises clients in areas like valuation and transfer pricing, country of origin, classification, labelling and regulatory audits. Where compliance has failed, Kelly works to mitigate penalty and liquidated damages claims whether through prior disclosures or settlement.

On the forced labor and supply chain integrity side, Kelly helps clients identify and mitigate the risk of forced labor in their supply chains. Kelly works with companies to ensure that all regulatory requirements are observed and that policies and procedures are in place to prevent the use of forced labor in the production of their products. Kelly responds to Customs questionnaires and prepares petitions for the release of merchandise detained in connection with forced labor.

Prior to joining Norton Rose Fulbright, Kelly practiced for more than six years in a top-ranked international trade practice group. A proud military spouse, she also represents veterans in pro bono matters.