Customs and excise appeals

The seizure of goods, a vehicle or other property by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) or Border Force can have serious financial and practical consequences.

Strict time limits may apply, so obtaining legal advice quickly is important.

If you disagree with a customs or excise decision or want to challenge the seizure or seek the return of property, our experienced regulatory solicitors can help you understand your options and the steps you need to take.

We advise businesses and individuals on customs and excise disputes, seizures, restoration requests, reviews and appeals. We provide clear, practical advice and representation throughout the process.

How can our customs and excise solicitors help?

We advise on a range of customs and excise matters, including:

• HMRC and Border Force seizures
• Seizure of goods and vehicles
• Notices of Seizure
• Challenging the lawfulness of a seizure
• Restoration of seized goods or vehicles
• Requests for HMRC or Border Force reviews
• Customs and excise appeals
• First-tier Tribunal proceedings
• Excise duty disputes
• Customs duty disputes
• Civil penalties and enforcement action
• Associated criminal investigations and proceedings

Challenging the seizure of goods or vehicles

If HMRC or Border Force has seized goods, a vehicle or other property, it is important to understand the reason for the seizure and your available options.

Where you believe the seizure was unlawful, strict time limits apply to challenging HMRC or Border Force’s legal right to seize the property. In many cases, a notice of claim must be received within one calendar month.

Our solicitors can advise you on the seizure process, the relevant deadlines and the appropriate steps to take to protect your position.

Seeking the return of seized property

Even where the lawfulness of a seizure is not challenged, you may be able to ask HMRC or Border Force to return, or restore, the seized property.

If a request for restoration is refused, or you disagree with the conditions imposed, you may be able to request a review of the decision and, where appropriate, appeal to the First-tier Tribunal.

We can advise you on restoration requests, reviews and appeals and represent you throughout the process.

Customs and excise investigations

Customs and excise matters can sometimes lead to wider civil or criminal investigations.

Our regulatory solicitors advise businesses and individuals facing investigation or enforcement action by HMRC and Border Force. We can help you understand the allegations, respond to the investigating authority and protect your position throughout the proceedings.

Speak to our customs and excise solicitors

If your goods, vehicle or other property has been seized by HMRC or Border Force, or you need advice about a customs or excise dispute, contact us as soon as possible.

Call us on 01245 493939, email mail@gepp.co.uk or request a call back to discuss how we can help.

For more information or advice

Contact Elizabeth Bradshaw on:
Call: 01206 369889 or
email: bradshawl@gepp.co.uk

Areas of expertise

• Disputes with HMRC
• Smuggling offences
• Representation in court
• Challenging decisions and appeals
• Criminal investigations
• Recovery of confiscated goods