Companies find it extremely painful, in terms of cost and lost management time dealing with unexpected demands for back duty. When duty is underpaid, customs can recover on imports in the last three years.

Support in disputes with Customs and other governmental bodies
Customs powers are considerable, and may be used against innocent importers or exporters who unwittingly commit offences. We have experience in defending clients in such cases, and in negotiating settlements where offences have been committed.

Tribunals
Where a UK company is in dispute with Customs & Excise it can first obtain a Departmental review and then can appeal the matter to an independent Tribunal. This is a separate Government Department and it will hear the case, and issue a decision which is binding on both parties. It has a proven history of considering cases fairly and independently and giving a full and reasoned opinion based on the facts.

Cases which have been considered includes those on classification, valuation, anti-dumping duty, and preferences.