The distinctive features that set a luxury brand’s products apart aren’t created only on the factory floor. For example, a company’s sketches from Paris, R&D in Milan, and artisanal prototypes perfected in Tokyo all flow into the production line. These upstream inputs (known as assists) must be carefully managed to avoid issues when the final product meets a border crossing. In a recent post, published as part of our Always in Season: Luxury, Fashion, and the Law series, our team explores how global luxury brands can harmonize their approach to assists globally to reduce compliance costs, mitigate the risk of systematic overpayment of tariffs, and stay ahead of customs disputes.