Who we help
For importers, online sellers, hauliers, travellers and vehicle owners whose goods, vehicle or cash has been seized or detained at a port or airport, in the post or inland.
What the service can include
- Reviewing the seizure or detention notice, the reasons given and the time limits that apply to you
- A notice of claim challenging the legality of a seizure, and the condemnation proceedings that follow in court
- Requests for the restoration of seized goods and vehicles, including where the owner was not the person stopped
- Reviews of decisions refusing restoration and appeals to the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber)
- Cash seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002: detention hearings, applications for release and forfeiture proceedings
- Correspondence with HMRC, Border Force and the National Post Seizure Unit
- Advice on duty, documents and import controls to reduce the risk of a further seizure
The scope is agreed for your matter. It depends on the documents, the issues and what you ask us to do.
How the work usually progresses
Check the notice and the deadline
We read the notice, establish what was taken and why, and identify each time limit that applies.
Choose the right route
Depending on the facts, that may be a notice of claim, a restoration request, or both. Seized cash follows a separate court process.
Present your case
We prepare the representations and evidence, deal with HMRC or Border Force, and take the matter to review, the tribunal or the court where appropriate.
What to prepare
- The seizure or detention notice and every letter or form you were given
- The date of the seizure and the date you received each notice
- Invoices, receipts, import documents, customs declarations and proof that duty or VAT was paid
- Proof of ownership and, for cash, evidence of where the money came from and what it was for
- Details of anyone else with an interest, such as a vehicle finance or hire company
A recent example
Every case turns on its own facts. A past outcome does not predict the result of another matter.
Fees and the first consultation
The initial consultation is £325 + VAT. Further work is separately scoped and priced. We will explain the charging basis and any expected third-party costs before you instruct us.
Questions about HMRC and UK Border Force seizures
How long do I have to challenge a seizure?
If you believe goods or a vehicle should not have been seized, a written notice of claim must usually be given within one month of the date of the seizure notice, or of the seizure itself if no notice was given. A request for a review of a decision refusing restoration must usually be made within 45 days of that decision. These limits are strict, so please contact us as soon as you receive a notice.
What is the difference between challenging a seizure and asking for restoration?
A notice of claim disputes whether the goods were lawfully seized, and the authorities must then bring condemnation proceedings in court. A restoration request asks them to return the goods or vehicle, often on payment, even where the seizure itself is not disputed. If the legality of a seizure is not challenged in time, the goods are usually treated as lawfully seized and that point cannot be argued later.
My cash was seized at an airport. What happens next?
Officers can seize cash of £1,000 or more where they suspect a connection with unlawful conduct. Continued detention must be authorised by a magistrates’ court, and the authorities may apply for forfeiture. You can oppose those applications and apply for the release of the cash. Evidence of where the money came from and what it was for is usually central.
Can a seized vehicle be returned?
A vehicle used to carry goods that are liable to forfeiture can itself be seized. The owner can ask for it to be restored, and restoration is often offered only on payment. We can prepare the request and challenge a refusal.
Can you guarantee that my property will be returned?
No. Every case turns on its facts, the evidence and the applicable law and policy. We explain the options, the likely costs and the risks before you decide how to proceed.