In a significant move to protect honest businesses and combat customs fraud, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has seized nearly 15,000 imported items from delivery warehouses across the UK. The operation, spanning three days, targeted counterfeit, misdescribed, or undervalued goods that were destined for UK customers.
The extensive crackdown, involving 25 different sites, is part of HMRC’s ongoing effort to root out fraudulent activities by both overseas and UK-based businesses. The operation focused on businesses attempting to undercut legitimate competitors by evading customs duties on imported stock.
Targeting Customs Fraud to Level the Playing Field
Marc Gill, Director of Individuals & Small Business Compliance at HMRC, emphasized the importance of fair trading in a statement:
“We’re determined to create a level playing field to allow honest businesses to thrive and will take robust action to make sure that everyone pays the correct duty due for importing goods into the UK.”
“We will not tolerate abuse of the customs regime and these seizures show that our checks can and do stretch beyond the border. I hope it sends a clear message to any business that thinks it can import counterfeit, misdescribed or undervalued goods that we can and do work with registered fulfilment businesses to identify and seize items inland.”
High-Tech Goods Among Seized Items
This most recent operation is part of a broader strategy that has seen 26 similar seizures over the past nine months. Items previously confiscated include E-bikes, robot vacuum cleaners, 3D printers, and air humidifiers — many of which were misdescribed or undervalued to avoid proper customs duty.
The recent seizure was conducted in collaboration with registered fulfilment businesses who were holding the stock, though they did not own the items. These partnerships are critical in tracking and intercepting fraudulent shipments.
The Fulfilment House Due Diligence Scheme
Under the Fulfilment House Due Diligence Scheme (FHDDS), any company that stores and delivers goods on behalf of overseas businesses must be registered with HMRC. This regulatory framework ensures that fulfilment houses carry out proper due diligence to prevent customs fraud.
Currently, more than 600 businesses are registered under the FHDDS, helping HMRC monitor and control the flow of goods into the UK market.
Protecting Consumers and Businesses
Counterfeit and misdescribed goods not only damage the economy but also pose safety risks to consumers. HMRC’s continued vigilance aims to protect both businesses and the public from the harms associated with illicit trade.
HMRC urges businesses and consumers alike to remain vigilant and report any suspicious goods or practices that may involve customs evasion.
For more information on the Fulfilment House Due Diligence Scheme or to report potential customs fraud, visit the HMRC website.
Notes to Editors:
- The latest seizure involved items stored at 25 UK warehouses but did not implicate the fulfilment businesses holding the stock.
- The Fulfilment House Due Diligence Scheme (FHDDS) came into force to regulate businesses that store goods imported from outside the UK before they are sold to customers.
- Goods commonly targeted in customs fraud schemes include electronics, personal transport devices, and home appliances.
