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Send a 鈥榥otice of claim鈥� if you think it was illegal for customs to seize your things, for example you brought in alcohol or tobacco for your personal use.

You鈥檒l have to go to court - if you win your claim, you鈥檒l get your things back. If they鈥檝e already been disposed of, you can ask for compensation.

You may have to pay court costs if you do not win your claim.

Sending a notice of claim

Follow the example notice of claim or write your own. You鈥檒l need to include:

• the seizure reference number on the notice you got from customs
• your name and address
• a list of the things you think customs was wrong to seize - include details, for example quantities and brands
• proof of ownership if your vehicle was seized
• why you think it was illegal for customs to seize your things

If Border Force seized your things

Send your notice of claim to Border Force鈥檚 post seizure unit.

If HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) seized your things

For excise goods such as alcohol, tobacco and fuel, send your notice of claim to:

For all other goods send your notice of claim to:

Deadline

Your notice of claim must be received by HMRC or Border Force within a month of your things being seized.

Your things are usually kept until your claim is decided, unless they鈥檙e perishable, for example they鈥檙e food.

Get legal help

You can appoint someone (for example, a solicitor) to deal with your claim and represent you in court.

Send an agent authority form with your notice of claim.

If you live outside the UK

You must appoint a UK solicitor to handle your claim and represent you in court.

Send an agent authority form giving the solicitor鈥檚 details with your notice of claim.