HMRC is running an ongoing investigation to identify UK businesses committing customs fraud.
During a three-day operation that targeted counterfeit, misdescribed or undervalued goods, HMRC seized nearly 15,000 imported items from delivery warehouses across the UK that were due to be sold on to UK customers.
HMRC says this investigation will help level the playing field for honest businesses.
Any company that stores and delivers items owned by an overseas business that have been imported prior to sale must be approved by HMRC under the Fulfilment House Due Diligence Scheme (FHDDS) – more than 600 businesses are registered under the scheme with HMRC.

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Marc Gill, Director, Individuals & Small Business Compliance at HMRC, said, “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.”
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