Ministry of Justice Prepares "Corporate Response Strategies" Guide for Hormuz Strait Blockade

Key Legal Considerations for Preventing International Contractual Disputes

The Ministry of Justice announced on March 11 that it has prepared an informational guide titled "Force Majeure Response Strategies for Korean Companies" to help domestic companies prevent and properly respond to international contractual disputes related to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Real-time ship location service "Vessel Finder" map displaying positions of oil tankers from various countries around the Strait of Hormuz. Vesselfinder.com

The Strait of Hormuz is a key maritime route through which approximately 20% of the world’s crude oil shipments pass. Restrictions on navigation through the strait are known to pose significant challenges for Korean companies engaged in international trade.

The guide includes key legal considerations and response strategies for exporters and importers when facing force majeure situations during international transactions. In particular, it stresses that exporters must carefully review the force majeure clauses in their contracts and promptly notify their counterparties of the occurrence of a force majeure event through proper legal procedures in order to be exempted from, or to mitigate, contractual liabilities.

The Ministry of Justice is also providing legal support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expanding overseas through its "Overseas Expansion Companies International Legal Support Group." The support group consists of more than 200 external experts, including prosecutors, government officials, legal officers, attorneys, foreign legal consultants, and customs agents, who are affiliated with the International Legal Support Division.

A representative from the Ministry of Justice stated, "As uncertainties in the international business environment increase, such as the recent developments in the Middle East, we will proactively provide the necessary legal information to ensure Korean companies can conduct overseas transactions with stability." The representative added, "By offering tailored legal advice on the various legal challenges that overseas companies may face, we will actively support the overseas expansion of Korean companies."

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