International trade lawyer with significant experience advising clients on EU, Swiss and U.K. trade regulations.
Provides advice on export controls, sanctions, customs, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering, as well as national security-related investment reviews.
Represents clients across industries, including technology, energy, semiconductor and aerospace & defense, among others.

Chiara provides comprehensive advice on a broad range of international trade issues. She advises clients on EU, Swiss and U.K. trade compliance matters, provides transactional assistance, drafts and supports the implementation of trade compliance policies and procedures, conducts internal investigations, assists with voluntary self-disclosures and represents companies in (settlement) negotiations with regulators.

Clients rely on Chiara as a strategic advisor on export controls & economic sanctions, license applications, customs & import controls, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, national security matters and corporate transactions.

With clients across sectors, Chiara represents global corporates and companies in technology, software, oil & gas (upstream & downstream), semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, aviation, aerospace & defense and travel.

Representative Work

Advising a leader in technology and engineering on the development of its global trade compliance program, including the establishment of an export controls classification process, and acting as internal trade counsel for any EU, Swiss and U.K. customs, export controls or sanctions related queries.
Assisting a travel reservations platform with the successful negotiation of a settlement with a regulator in respect of alleged breaches of the EU Crimea sanctions.
Conducting an internal investigation for an IT company into export controls breaches including the preparation of disclosure reports for U.K. regulators as well as the establishment and implementation of corrective actions.
Representing a portfolio company of an investment fund in customs legislation against the re-assessment of underpaid customs, antidumping and countervailing duties in respect of the alleged unlawful release for free circulation of U.S. origin biodiesel subject to trade policy measures in the EU.
Assisting a semiconductor company with the notification of a contemplated investment in a U.K. based entity to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.

"Chiara Klaui is very sharp, efficient, and practical in her advice."

Legal 500 UK, 2024

Languages
Dutch
English
German

Education
LL.M., University of Maastricht, 2005

Bar Admissions
Netherlands Bar Association
Registered Foreign Lawyer in England and Wales

Recognitions

Chambers UK, Sanctions, 2024-2025.
The Legal 500 UK, Trade, WTO, Anti-Dumping and Customs, 2017-2025.
The Legal 500 EMEA, Dispute Resolution: Compliance and Investigations, UAE, 2023, and WTO, Switzerland, 2024-2025
Who’s Who Legal, Trade & Customs, 2016-2023.
Who’s Who Legal, International Sanctions, 2019-2023.
Euromoney, Expert Guide: Women in Business Law, Leading Practitioner: International Trade, 2019-2022.
Global Investigations Review 100, Recommended for Stellar Sanctions Offering and Representation of Clients in EU Sanctions Matters and Dutch Sanctions Enforcement Cases, 2020 and 2023.

Affiliations and Public Service

Member, Netherlands Bar Association.
Member, Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Member, Washington International Trade Association.

Speeches and Publications

Giving Paper “Legal Aspects of Sanctioned Country Business for Pharma, Medical and Agri Sectors” at Nielsonsmith Trade Compliance in Life Sciences, Universities and Research Institutes Conference, Zurich, May 12. 2022.
Giving Paper “EU Blocking Regulation – Impact of European Court of Justice Judgment in Bank of Melli Iran v Telekom Deutschland GmbH” at Nielsonsmith Trade Compliance in Life Sciences, Universities and Research Institutes Conference, Zurich, May 11. 2022.
“Protecting the Crown Jewels - New U.K. National Security Rules for Foreign Investment in a Post-COVID-19, Post-Brexit World”, Akin Webinar, London, June 2020.
Panelist, “Brexit and EU Sanctions Developments”, Akin Seminar on Sanctions Developments, Moscow, March 14, 2019.
Panelist, “City of Tomorrow,” Akin Event, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, November 21 and 22, 2018.
Panelist, “EU Sanctions Developments,” Akin Seminar on International Sanctions and Antibribery Laws, Moscow, March 1, 2018.
Panelist, “Cyber Security – Where is the EU heading?” EU Trade Controls for North American Companies Conference, Washington, D.C., February 15, 2018.
Panelist, “Impact of Brexit on Customs and Export Controls Legislation,” EU Trade Controls for North American Companies Conference, Washington, D.C., February 14, 2018.
Panelist, “EU Export Control Developments,” Akin International Trade and Compliance Conference, Amsterdam, September 19, 2017.
Panelist, “EU Sanctions Update,” Amber Road Seminar, Global Trade Management, Amsterdam, March 29, 2017.
Panelist, “EU Sanctions Update,” Amber Road Seminar, Global Trade Management, London, March 23, 2017.
Speaker, “What does the future hold for EU dual use controls?” NielsonSmith’s EU Trade Controls for North American Companies – The Reach Out Summit, Washington, D.C., February 15, 2017.