Avocat international Lausanne Suisse - Cabinet BRENCI spécialisé droit douanier et compliance AML

From contract to customs, every detail matters.

I secure your contracts and trade flows in Switzerland, with Europe, the Americas and beyond.

Customs law & free trade agreements · International contracts & deal structuring · Compliance, AML/KYC & sanctions · Financial intermediation under FINMA supervision.

Free initial consultationResponse within 24 business hoursConfidentiality guaranteed
10+
Years of experience
6
Working languages
CH/UY/IT
Nationalities
OAR
FSA/FSN · FINMA
DO YOU RECOGNIZE YOURSELF?

Are these situations familiar?

I have assisted many companies and investors facing exactly these challenges.

CONTRACTS

Your international contracts expose you

Ambiguous clauses, wrong applicable law, missing penalty or arbitration clauses — a single drafting flaw can turn a promising partnership into a ruinous cross-border dispute.

COMMERCIAL

Your commercial transactions stall or fail

Blocked acquisitions, distribution disputes, M&A litigation — without an offensive legal strategy, you leave value on the table and miss critical opportunities.

COMPLIANCE

Your compliance is not up to date

AMLA, OFAC, FCPA, GDPR, international sanctions — regulations multiply. A failing AML program or incomplete due diligence can lead to fines, account freezes and criminal prosecution.

CUSTOMS

Your customs operations cost too much

CBAM, rules of origin, wrong tariff classification, EUDR — without customs optimization, you pay excessive duties and risk audits that paralyze your trade flows.

FINANCIAL INTERMEDIATION

Your financial activities lack a regulatory framework

Wealth management, fund transfers, escrow, trusts — without OAR affiliation and FINMA supervision, your financial intermediation activities are exposed to administrative and criminal sanctions.

NEGOTIATION

Your negotiations fail or your disputes drag on

Facing experienced counterparties or in a complex international arbitration, without a strategic advisor experienced in international negotiations, you lose time, money and positions.

LITIGATION

You are facing judicial or administrative proceedings

Customs appeal, commercial dispute before Swiss courts, proceedings before the Federal Administrative Court or the Federal Supreme Court — without an experienced litigating attorney, you risk losing essential rights and facing unfavorable decisions that are difficult to reverse.

If you answered yes to any of these situations, you are in the right place.

I transform your legal risks into competitive advantages.

10+
Years of experience
6
Working languages
3
Nationalities
5
Areas of expertise
WHAT SETS ME APART

Swiss, European & International Customs Law

Swiss customs law (FOCBS, CA, CO), European (UCC, CBAM, EUDR, AEO) and international (WTO, MERCOSUR–EU, MERCOSUR–EFTA). Tariff optimization, rules of origin, HS/TARIC classification and defense in customs audits.

Contracts & International Commercial Law

Drafting and negotiating international contracts (CISG), cross-border M&A, joint ventures, international distribution and commercial disputes. Applicable law, Rome I/II, contractual arbitration.

Due Diligence · Compliance · AML

Complete AML/AMLA programs, KYC/CDD/EDD, OFAC/EU/SECO sanctions, FCPA, GDPR and nFADP. Compliance audits, gap analysis and remediation plans for companies and financial intermediaries.

Financial Intermediary OAR FSA/FSN

Affiliated with the OAR of the Swiss Bar Association (FSA/FSN), recognized by FINMA. Authorized to conduct financial intermediation activities: escrow, trusts, asset structuring and real estate transactions.

MERCOSUR Expert — EU & EFTA Agreements

Unique expertise on MERCOSUR–EU and MERCOSUR–EFTA free trade agreements. Strategic advisory for companies operating on a corridor of 700 million consumers.

Negotiation & International Arbitration

Multi-party strategic negotiations, international arbitration. Enforcement of awards in 170+ countries (New York Convention). Cross-border commercial disputes.

Court & Administrative Representation

Litigation lawyer, I represent clients before Swiss civil and commercial courts, administrative authorities (FOCBS, SECO, FINMA) and appellate bodies (FAC, Federal Supreme Court). Defense of rights in contentious proceedings, administrative appeals and customs disputes.

Strategic Approach & Measurable Results

Every case is handled with a rigorous methodology: risk analysis, tailored strategy, rapid execution. My clients achieve concrete results — reduced customs duties, validated compliance programs, secured contracts — within controlled timelines.

Dr in Law · 10+ years of practice · 3 continents

Doctorate in international law, over 10 years of experience in law firms and corporations, a deep understanding of Swiss, European and Latin American legal systems. Every advice integrates the cultural and commercial dimension of the case.

PROCESS

How it works

Simple, fast, effective. Three steps to transform your legal situation.

1
01

Book your consultation

Choose a 20-minute slot online. Free, confidential, no commitment. I review your situation before the call.

Book now
2
02

I analyze your case

During the consultation, I identify your 3 main risks and opportunities. You leave with a clear action plan, whether you retain us or not.

3
03

I act for you

If you choose to work with me, I intervene immediately. Contracts, compliance, customs — every case is handled with rigor, method and over 10 years of human expertise.

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OUR EXPERTISE

5 pillars of legal excellence

Each domain is mastered in depth. Click on a pillar to discover the extent of my expertise and the risks I help you avoid.

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MERCOSUR–EU/EFTA Expert
Customs Law - Expertise avocat international Lausanne BRENCI
01

Customs Law

Swiss · European · International

I master all three levels of customs law — Swiss, European and international — to transform your customs obligations into a competitive advantage.

Swiss customs law: CA, CO, FOCBS, TAF appeals
European customs law: UCC, CBAM, EUDR, AEO
Free trade agreements: MERCOSUR–EU, MERCOSUR–EFTA, EFTA
Rules of origin, tariff classification, BTI
Customs disputes & appeals, violations, penalties
Contracts & Commercial — National and International - Expertise avocat international Lausanne BRENCI
02

Contracts & Commercial — National and International

Drafting · Negotiation · Disputes · M&A

Every contract is a strategic architecture. I structure, draft and defend your commercial agreements so that every clause becomes a lever for protection and growth.

International contracts: CISG, Rome I/II, applicable law
Joint ventures, M&A, legal due diligence
International distribution, agency, franchise
Intellectual property and intangible asset protection
Commercial disputes and cross-border debt recovery
Enhanced expertise
Due Diligence · Compliance · AML - Expertise avocat international Lausanne BRENCI
03

Due Diligence · Compliance · AML

AMLA · KYC/EDD · Sanctions · GDPR · Anti-bribery

Compliance is not a constraint — it is a competitive advantage. I transform your regulatory obligations into a strategic shield and a trust signal for your partners.

AML/AMLA: complete programs, KYC/CDD/EDD, MROS reports
FCPA: anti-corruption, internal investigations
OFAC/EU/SECO sanctions: screening, licenses, asset freezing
GDPR & nFADP: compliance, external DPO, DPIA
Compliance audits, gap analysis, remediation plans
OAR regulated status
Financial Intermediation - Expertise avocat international Lausanne BRENCI
04

Financial Intermediation

OAR FSA/FSN · FINMA · Escrow · Trusts · Wealth

As a financial intermediary affiliated with OAR FSA/FSN, I am one of the rare Swiss law firms combining legal expertise and financial authorization under FINMA supervision.

OAR FSA/FSN affiliated — direct FINMA supervision
Asset structuring, trusts and foundations
Enhanced AMLA obligations and regulatory reporting
Escrow account management and international transfers
Cross-border real estate transactions (LFAIE)
Negotiation & Representation in Court - Expertise avocat international Lausanne BRENCI
05

Negotiation & Representation in Court

Strategy · Arbitration · Courts · Administrative Authorities

Negotiation and the defense of your interests are an art. I represent clients before Swiss civil and commercial courts, administrative authorities and international arbitration bodies.

Representation before Swiss civil and commercial courts
Appeals before administrative authorities (FOCBS, SECO, FINMA)
Appeals before the Federal Administrative Court (FAC) and Federal Supreme Court
International arbitration and enforcement of awards in 170+ countries
Cross-border commercial disputes and debt recovery

Your situation doesn't fit a single category?

This is often the case in complex international matters. I work across multiple areas of expertise simultaneously.

OUR SERVICES

Clear packages for every need

No surprises, no ambiguity. Choose the package that fits your situation and start working with us today.

Customs CH/EU/Int'lContractual & CommercialCompliance · AMLFinancial Intermediary OARNegotiation & Arbitration

Strategic Consultation

/ 60-min session

CHF 250

Ideal for validating a decision, analyzing a risk or obtaining a precise legal opinion on a specific point.

  • In-depth analysis of your situation
  • Identification of the 3 main risks
  • Actionable strategic recommendations
  • Written summary memo included
  • Email follow-up within 48h

Secure payment · Cancellation 24h before

Book a consultation
MOST POPULAR

Case Package

/ complete case

CHF 1'500

For cases requiring in-depth analysis, drafting of a document or management of a one-time negotiation.

  • Complete case analysis (up to 5h)
  • Drafting or review of a contract / memo
  • Negotiation or compliance strategy
  • Representation in a negotiation
  • Final report with recommendations
  • Email support for 30 days

Quote adjusted based on complexity

Start my case

Dedicated Lawyer

/ month (retainer)

CHF 3'500

For companies and entrepreneurs who need an international lawyer permanently available.

  • Unlimited availability (calls, emails, WhatsApp)
  • Coverage of all specialties
  • Unlimited contract and document review
  • Monthly regulatory monitoring
  • Priority access in emergencies
  • Monthly strategic meeting (2h)
  • Preferential rate for additional cases

Monthly commitment · Cancellable at any time

Become a priority client

Complex case or bespoke project?

Some cases require a fully personalized approach. Contact me for a quote tailored to your specific situation.

Request a custom quote
FREE RESOURCES

Two tools to get started

No intrusive forms, no aggressive marketing. Two resources designed to help you identify your legal risks before even contacting us.

FREE DOWNLOAD

Legal memo: 5 risks every international business must know

A concise working document (8 pages) covering the 5 most common legal risks in international operations: defective contractual clauses, AML non-compliance, customs errors, due diligence failures and lack of arbitration strategy.

Contracts: 3 clauses that protect or destroy
Compliance: the 5 AML warning indicators
Customs: how to avoid an audit
Due diligence: the minimum checklist
Arbitration: choosing the right institution

No registration required · Professional document

SELF-ASSESSMENT

Assess your legal exposure in 6 questions

A quick and confidential diagnostic to identify your priority risk areas. At the end of the diagnostic, you receive a personalized analysis and, if relevant, a consultation recommendation.

Question 1 of 6

Do you have international contracts without an arbitration clause?

Alessandro Brenci - Avocat spécialisé droit douanier, compliance AML et contrats internationaux à Lausanne, Suisse
Dr
Droit
Registered LawyerOAR FSA/FSNMERCOSUR–EU/EFTA Expert10 years of practice
6 languages
FR · EN · ES · IT · PT · DE
Doctorate in Law
Dr en droit
CH / UY / IT
CH / UY / IT
THE FIRM

Alessandro Brenci

Avocat international basé à Lausanne, Alessandro Brenci met dix ans de pratique au service de problématiques internationales — notamment en matière douanière, commerciale, contractuelle et de compliance. Titulaire d'un doctorat en droit, il conseille ses clients en français, anglais, espagnol, italien, portugais et allemand.

Avec une compréhension fine des dynamiques juridiques, économiques et culturelles propres à trois continents, il apporte un atout déterminant pour structurer des opérations transfrontalières et anticiper les zones de friction réglementaire.

Sa pratique s'articule autour de quatre axes :

Droit douanier : Classification tarifaire, règles d'origine préférentielle, audits de conformité et accompagnement dans l'application des accords de libre-échange.
Droit commercial international : Structuration d'opérations d'export, distribution, agence et coentreprises sur le corridor Amérique latine–Europe.
Droit des contrats : Rédaction et négociation de contrats internationaux (vente, distribution, services, transfert de technologie), avec une attention particulière aux clauses sensibles (loi applicable, arbitrage, force majeure, sanctions).
Compliance : LBA/KYC, sanctions internationales, devoir de diligence en matière de durabilité (CS3D, CBAM), et mise en conformité des chaînes de valeur.

Spécialisé dans les accords de libre-échange MERCOSUR–UE et MERCOSUR–AELE, il accompagne exportateurs, importateurs et investisseurs dans leur expansion sur le corridor Amérique latine–Europe, depuis l'analyse stratégique jusqu'à la mise en œuvre opérationnelle.

Intermédiaire financier affilié à l'OAR FSA/FSN sous supervision FINMA, il figure parmi les rares avocats suisses à combiner expertise juridique et habilitation financière — un cadre qui garantit à ses clients une rigueur de conformité étendue à leurs opérations financières internationales.

TESTIMONIALS

What our clients say

Anonymized feedback in accordance with attorney-client privilege (Art. 13 BGFA).

"Mr. Brenci identified a tariff classification error that was costing us CHF 180,000 per year in excessive customs duties. Within three months, the issue was resolved and we obtained a retroactive refund."

CFO

International trading company, Geneva

Commodity trading

"Our AML program had critical gaps identified during an internal audit. Mr. Brenci restructured everything in 6 weeks — we passed the SRO inspection without a single remark."

Chief Compliance Officer

Financial intermediary, Zurich

Financial services

"Negotiations for a distribution agreement with a South American partner had been stalling for 8 months. Mr. Brenci took over and closed the deal in 5 weeks thanks to his command of local law and culture."

CEO

Industrial SME, Lausanne

Manufacturing

"Facing a CHF 420,000 customs reassessment, Mr. Brenci built a solid appeal before the Federal Administrative Court. The amount was reduced by 85%. His technical expertise is remarkable."

Head of Logistics

Pharmaceutical group, Basel

Pharma & Life Sciences

"For our cross-border acquisition, Mr. Brenci managed the full legal due diligence coordinating 3 jurisdictions. Not a single post-closing surprise."

Managing Partner

Investment fund, Luxembourg

Private Equity
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Your questions about international and customs law

Answers to the most common questions from our clients and prospects in Switzerland and internationally.

International Legal Watch

Receive monthly regulatory updates that impact your business

Customs, compliance, sanctions, international contracts — a monthly briefing written by a specialized lawyer, directly in your inbox.

Your data is protected in accordance with nFADP and GDPR.

AREAS OF ACTIVITY

A presence on three continents

Based in Lausanne, I operate wherever your business takes you.

Switzerland - Zone d'intervention avocat international BRENCI

Switzerland

Main office in Lausanne. Swiss business law, FINMA compliance, FOCBS customs law, OAR financial intermediation.

Europe - Zone d'intervention avocat international BRENCI

Europe

EU law, UCC, CBAM, EUDR, GDPR. International arbitration. MERCOSUR–EU agreements.

Latin America - Zone d'intervention avocat international BRENCI

Latin America

MERCOSUR–EU and MERCOSUR–EFTA expert. Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia. Business law and investments.

USA & International - Zone d'intervention avocat international BRENCI

USA & International

FCPA, OFAC, US sanctions. Enforcement of awards in 170+ countries (New York Convention).

Discuss your international project

Free consultation
CONTACT

Let's talk about your situation

Free initial consultation · Response within 24 business hours · Confidentiality guaranteed

Book directly online

Choose a slot in my calendar. The 20-minute consultation is free, confidential and without commitment.

Consultation de 20 min — gratuite et sans engagement
Confidentialité garantie — secret professionnel de l'avocat
Préparation du dossier avant l'appel
Réponse claire sur vos 3 risques principaux
Agenda ouvert

Choisissez directement le créneau qui vous convient. Confirmation immédiate par email.

Données protégées · nLPD & RGPD
Open Calendly calendar
OR

Contact information

Téléphone

+41 21 321 63 63

Disponibilité

Lun – Ven, 8h00–12h00 · 13h00–17h00

FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY

OAR FSA/FSN affiliated — Self-regulatory organization recognized by FINMA. Active regulatory supervision.

Send us a message

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Response guaranteed within 24 business hours

Your data is processed in accordance with nFADP (SR 235.1) and GDPR (EU 2016/679). No data is shared with third parties. Attorney-client privilege guaranteed.