When importing and exporting goods in and out of the UK, businesses must follow customs rules or risk financial sanctions. HM Revenue and Customs actively check and investigate cargo and the corresponding paperwork to ensure that national legal requirements have been complied with.

Trading with the EU has changed significantly since Brexit with new customs rules applicable for businesses importing and exporting goods. If you are unsure of the regulations and want to mitigate risks for your business, it is essential that you seek legal advice as early as possible.

If you are suspected of having breached a customs duty, by way of a misdeclaration for example, you may face a Customs Civil Penalties Notice (CCPN). This consists of a warning letter and a financial penalty.

If you are suspected of intentionally evading a customs duty, a Civil Evasion Penalty (CEP) may be imposed. HMRC also has the power to seize goods and launch criminal investigations into further tax evasion.

Our experienced Regulatory and Criminal Lawyers at Nicholls & Nicholls can provide advice and assistance to individuals and businesses facing criminal prosecutions or investigations by HMRC into regulatory breaches in relation to customs duties.