Van Bael & Bellis

Trade

Partner Benoît Servais specialises in EU and WTO trade law, with a particular emphasis on anti-dumping and anti-subsidy laws, as well as customs law.

He has been involved in more than 140 EU anti-dumping, anti-circumvention and anti-subsidy proceedings since 1992 for clients from around the world, including China, Russia, India, Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, Norway and the Middle East in a wide variety of industries such as steel, textiles, chemical products and electronics.

Benoit has also successfully represented clients before the European Courts.  Notable cases include Fiskeri og Havbruksnæringens Landsforening and Others v Council in which Benoit represented several Norwegian exporters of farmed salmon against the Council, and Ikea Wholesale Ltd v Commissioners of Customs & Excise where Ikea successfully obtained the reimbursement of anti-dumping duties.

Benoît also acts for EU exporters in anti-dumping proceedings initiated by third countries and he also represents domestic producers in third countries in anti-dumping investigations.  For instance, he represented the Moroccan producer of PVC in an anti-dumping proceeding initiated by Morocco which led to the imposition of anti-dumping duties against the USA, the EU and Mexico.  

His experience in customs law involves assisting clients in customs valuation, customs classification, origin issues and processing under customs control.

He regularly speaks and lectures at trade conferences and seminars on EU and international trade law matters. 

Benoît Servais speaks English and French.

Member of the Brussels Bar

College of Europe, Bruges, Post-graduate studies in EU law, magna cum laude, 1990University of Liège, Master of Laws, 1989