Companies that import and export inevitably need to deal with diverse customs-related topics. Failure to seek legal advice on customs matters from an attorney specialized in customs law can result in payment arrears and the initiation of criminal proceedings under customs law against those responsible in the company. Frequent sources of error include:
- the tariffs applied to the goods
- the supplier’s declarations and certificates of origin
- determination of the value of the goods
- import VAT
- customs procedures
- export licenses
- excise tax
It is often the case that companies either do not seek customs advice by an attorney specialized in customs law or that the last implementation of customs procedures took place several decades ago. Customs audits are thus on the rise in recent years, which is why it is vital to seek professional customs advice. An attorney specialized in customs law can provide customs advice if a customs auditor finds that standardized procedures have been implemented incorrectly for many years. The consequences are often tremendous and include post-clearance recovery of import duties and revocation of existing licenses, which can have a substantial impact on future procedures. If a dispute nonetheless arises between you and the customs authorities, you will be well-advised if you seek the help of an attorney specialized in customs law to detect errors and avoid liability.
I will advise you on any risks under criminal customs law
Customs duties are taxes within the meaning of the German Fiscal Code (Abgabenordnung) – this is often unknown to businesses. With the advice of an attorney specialized in customs law, those responsible for customs matters in the company have the option to declare the customs duties retroactively via a voluntary disclosure and to obtain immunity from prosecution. Thus, advice on customs law should always take into account any aspects regarding criminal customs law to avoid liability. Furthermore, an attorney specialized in customs law will inform you about the degrees of tax evasion: if you owe the authorities 50,000 euros or more, you should contact an attorney specialized in customs law as early as possible to avoid a prison sentence by filing a voluntary disclosure.
Attorney-at-law Dirk Pohl – your attorney specialized in customs law
Are you looking for a trustworthy attorney who offers legal advice on customs law? As an attorney specialized in this field, I offer sound advice in customs matters in a results-oriented manner. I frequently offer seminars on criminal customs law and corporate liability at the Federal Association for Logistics (Bundesvereinigung für Logistik; short “BVL”). There, I provide customs advice to well-known companies in Germany and abroad as well as to private individuals. In addition, I can draw upon an experienced team of customs and tax professionals. With the help of this team, I am able to deal with procedural questions of all kinds, apply for authorizations, solve any issues relating to foreign trade and payments legislation, and conduct proceedings before the finance or criminal courts. This offers the advantage that clients need not consult different specialists for each aspect of customs. You will get all the necessary advice from me, which avoids friction and accelerates the proceedings. Furthermore, as a member of the international network of independent law firms ADVOC, I can refer you to customs lawyers around the world to help you solve any questions pertaining to the international movement of goods.
Contact your attorney specialized in customs law now
I am happy to take your call. Use this opportunity and take advantage of a 30-minute free phone consultation on any customs issues you may have. This first conversation will reveal which customs advice would suit you – I will help you while observing the strictest level of confidentiality and with a results-oriented focus.
This post is also available in: German
Dirk Pohl
Attorney-at-Law, Specialized Tax Attorney
Specialized in Customs, Tax and Foreign Trade and Payment Law
I’d be delighted to advise you!
+49-178 8895896
+49-69 509 82 – 0 (receptionist)
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