The issue

It is vital for international trading organisations to ensure that complex EU legislation is applied properly when importing goods into the EU from third countries. Our team can assist businesses in dealing with the complexities of import and export activity, ensuring that full compliance is maintained whilst identifying opportunities for any cash-flow opportunities or savings.

Action required

Our team has conducted counter-investigations on behalf of some of the world’s largest organisations. By taking control of the issue, and persuading HMRC of the client’s good faith, we can manage very difficult situations to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Example

A challenge by HMRC into the duty point of imported sportswear led to a potential liability of nearly £8 million import duty. By carefully analysing the client’s import processing software together with a proper analysis of the relevant parts of the Community Customs Code and the Implementing Regulations, we persuaded HMRC to carry out a Departmental review of the matter, and they agreed with our analysis and dropped their enquiry.

An importer of consumer electronics had been notified of an investigation by the EU anti-fraud authorities, and been assessed for £230,000 anti-dumping duty. By properly analysing the evidence and presenting further material to the authorities, we were able to reduce the bill to less than £20,000 and avoided any liability for penalties and interes.