Detention and Seizure of Restricted Goods

Rogers & Norton specialise in handling HMRC Border Force claims relating to the detention and seizure of a wide variety restricted goods.

We have developed a wide ranging knowledge and understanding regarding the import or export of any items requiring CITES documentation.

CITES

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, an international agreement between governments that came into force in 1975. The import, export and use for commercial gain of certain species requires a CITES permit.

Rosewood is a key component in the manufacture of many musical instruments, together with hardwood furniture and wooden board games. The change in the law means that the many companies involved in either importing or making them face getting items impounded by The Border Force Agency

We also deal with HMRC Border Force seizures covered under regulations relating to the Supply or import of:

Nitrous Oxide for personal use under the Psychoactive Substance Act 2016

Although the gas was previously a ‘legal high’, it is now illegal to supply or import Nitrous Oxide for personal use. Nitrous Oxide is used as pain relief during medical procedures such as dental work – it can also be legally bought for use in whipped cream dispensers for catering purposes.

As the gas can be legally used in dispensers, it has led to companies having large scale issues with HMRC and Border Force retaining their goods as long as possible and asking for additional proof of the intended use for catering purposes. Such detention and seizures cause serious financial implications for the businesses legitimately importing them.

Medical Regulatory Health Authority(MRHA)

Regulates the importation of all drugs into the UK. Any medicine purchased outside the regulated supply chain cannot be guaranteed to meet standards of quality, safety and effectiveness. This means they can present a real risk to public health.

Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)

Appeals regarding the importation of restricted goods into the UK

Disruption, confusion and delays relating to the importation of any items thought to be covered by the rules relating to these acts is still prevalent. Over 2,500 animal and 25,000 plant species are included in the Appendices of CITES on Appendix I, II or III. In the European Union the CITES

Our continued success is based on the ability to act swiftly and decisively to support clients, together with a depth of knowledge and understanding in the system that allows us to successfully challenge the decisions made by UK Border Force accurately and succinctly.

Companies and individuals approach us for help, even after undertaking careful and thorough research into the intricacies surrounding the importation of restricted goods. They still innocently fall foul of the regulations and find themselves in a predicament were they could potentially lose large sums of money.

We are accepted by trade associations as offering specialist legal support and advice for companies and individuals nationally and internationally. We deal with;

• Detentions and Seizure of Goods by the UK Border Force including goods stored in warehouses, detained/seized at Ports and Airports.
• Restoration Claims
• Condemnation Proceedings
• Injunctions (including urgent injunctions)
• Judicial reviews (including claims for the urgent release of goods and damages for unlawful detentions, and injunctions)

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