Customs & Excise Fraud

Customs officers have the right to seize any items in the UK if either the excised goods (such as tobacco or alcohol) if duty has not been paid on them properly, if the items are restricted or banned in the UK or if customs laws or regulations have been broken. The Boarder Force deals with seizure in the UK.

What happens when your items are seized?

If your items are seized when you are present, the reason for the seizure must be explained to you and you will receive a Seizure Information Notice which is a list of the items which have been seized. If you are not present when your things are seized then you will receive a Notice of Seizure through the post which gives you information like: who carried out the seizure, the reason and legal grounds for which they carried out the seizure and a list of all the items that have been seized.

You then have different options depending on whether or not you believe the seizure was right. If you know or believe that the seizure was right and you do not want the items back then nothing further need be done and the items will be disposed of.

However if you do not believe the seizure was right then you can challenge this. As the owner of your items you can challenge the legality of customs for taking your things by sending a Notice of Claim in writing to HM Revenue & Customs, this should include: your name and address, any customs reference you have been given and the reason for which you believe customs were wrong to seize your items. You must send this to ensure it is received by HMRC within one month of the seizure because after this month they can dispose of the items by law.

Whether you believe the seizure was right or not you can still write to HMRC asking for your things back. This process is called restoration. In your letter you should include: your name and address, any customs reference, any proof of ownership for the items (eg. Receipts) and the reason for which you think the items should be given back to you. If they decide not to return your items to you, you can then ask for the decision to be reviewed.

About Freeman & Co.

Nick Freeman is quite possibly the most famous criminal solicitor practising in the Country today. Dubbed by the media as “Mr Loophole” his reputation rose as an expert road traffic lawyer through his client list of famous sports personalities and celebrities.

But this is only the tip of the iceberg for Nick and his team of highly experienced criminal solicitors. Freeman & Co. have successfully represented people charged with a wide range of criminal offences ranging from assault to fraud, from rape to theft.

Nick has a singular mind to all his cases and challenging the details of every case is an ethos that pervades Freeman & Co. as a whole.

From the first police station interview to fighting your case through the courts, Freeman & Co. provide seamless representation and dedicated client care that is second to none.

Being charged with a criminal offence of any kind will be a daunting experience. Freeman & Co. are a specialist from of criminal solicitors who understand their clients’ needs and the overwhelming need to get the best possible result in all the circumstances.

If you are, a family member to friend have been charged with a criminal offence you can call Freeman & Co. today on 0161 236 7007. You can also send us a confidential email by clicking here.

We look forward to hearing from you.