Yves Melin is an international trade and customs lawyer with over 25 years of experience in Brussels. He specializes in customs laws and procedures; sanctions, export and import controls; carbon trading and border adjustment/taxes; and trade defence investigations.

In the customs area, Mr. Melin helps clients reduce duty exposure through customs compliance programs, customs duty suspension filings, and customs litigation. He has extensive experience in coordinating customs recovery actions across multiple EU member states. He is the founder of Greenlane.eu, a unique alliance of specialized customs practitioners located throughout the European Union and in other jurisdictions, providing clients with a one-stop-shop, seamless advice and assistance for customs questions and investigations globally. He is the Vice President of CONFIAD, the European association of customs representatives, and an active member of the Trade Contact Group of the European Commission’s DG Taxud.

Mr. Melin has represented clients in more than 100 trade defence investigations and over 30 disputes before EU Courts, including the landmark case Ikea Wholesale (C-351/04).

His expertise is recognized by clients and peers. Chambers Global and Chambers Europe noted his “in-depth knowledge of EU trade defence instruments,” observed that he “is reputed for his expertise in advising clients on customs compliance and export controls,” and quoted commentary that “Yves is a visionary leader in the customs and trade space.” Legal 500 EMEA highlights that he is “extremely knowledgeable” and “provides pragmatic advice on trade defence, customs, and sanctions matters.” Who’s Who Legal/Lexology Index  recognizes him as a Global Elite Thought Leader in Trade & Customs.

In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Melin serves on the Editorial Board of the Global Trade and Customs Journal (Kluwer), is a research fellow and member of the steering committee of the customs law academy of the University of Liège, and lectures at the University of Antwerp.