Condemnation and Restoration Requests

When goods and vehicles entering the UK are seized by HMRC or UK Border Force, it is difficult to know what steps you should take. At Altion Law we aim to provide you with the best advice and options available to you. We have set out the most frequently asked questions regarding condemnation and restoration requests.

There are steps you can take yourself and we do offer an initial fixed fee consultation for those that feel they are happy to progress with challenging seizures of goods and vehicles but would like some initial legal advice before proceeding.

For a confidential free discussion, call us today on 01908 414990,  alternatively email us at Hello@altion-law.co.uk or complete our Free Enquiry Form and we will call you back.

Condemnation And Restoration Requests

Why?

The first thing to establish is why the items were seized in the first place. A seizure information notice or notice of seizure should have been provided to the driver.  However, if the reasons for the seizure are not clear, then you can contact either HMRC or UK Border Force to seek a further explanation.

How?

When the reasons are established, speak to any parties involved to establish how the situation came about. It may be necessary to speak to transporters, suppliers, the sending bond etc to establish how the reason for seizure came about and establish if there is an explanation.

Who?

Only the owner of the items seized may take formal steps to deal with any recovery. Ensure that you can prove that you are the owner of the seized items. HMRC often request invoices and evidence of payment or other evidence that the ownership has been transferred to you.

What?

Next you must decide what steps you wish to take. We have set out the options available below, but do be aware of any time constraints.

Restoration

This is a claim for the seized items to be restored to you. The claim is made to HMRC or UKBF directly along with any supporting evidence you have.

There is generally no time limit to make a claim for restoration.  However, it is advisable to make a claim asap.

If your claim is not successful there is an opportunity to request a review by another HMRC/UKBF officer within 45 days of the original decision and/or then appeal to the Tax Tribunal within 30 days.

Each party will pay their own legal costs, however be aware that where the matter is referred to the Tax Tribunal there is an option for the tribunal to make a costs order in certain circumstances. This means you may have to pay some of HMRC or Border Forces legal costs.

Regulatory & Compliance Solicitors | Milton Keynes | Northampton

Condemnation

This is a Claim to Challenge the Legality of the Seizure.

Any request for a condemnation proceedings must be made to HMRC or UKBF within 30 days of the seizure.  You must provide a UK address to pursue this option.

A court hearing will be listed at a magistrates’ court (although this is a civil matter).  A manager of the business will be required to attend the court as a witness.

The usual practice is that the successful party can ask the court to order that the unsuccessful party pay their costs, however this is at the discretion of the court. There may be an option to appeal an unsuccessful decision dependent upon the actual decision.

Combination

You can pursue both options at the same time to ensure that you don’t miss the condemnation deadline.  This also provides HMRC/ UKBF with an opportunity to return the seized items to you without the need to go to a final court hearing.

It is important to ensure that you have the correct advice to enable you to take the best steps to protect you and your business.

Make An Enquiry Today

For a confidential free discussion, call us today on 01908 414990,  alternatively email us at Hello@altion-law.co.uk or complete our Free Enquiry Form and we will call you back.

“I cannot be thankful enough to Rebecca and Altion Law for the service and help I received, through a very difficult time. After being refused the AWRS Rebecca and Altion Law helped over turned HMRCs decision successfully”.