Customs disputes: causes and legal support

A key factor in the emergence of customs disputes is the lack of a clear legal framework governing the actions of customs officials and those involved in foreign trade. Excessively high customs duties, losses caused by customs officials through their inaction, or unlawful actions by customs authorities, give rise to customs disputes between the parties.

Causes of customs disputes

The current situation at customs in Ukraine depends on a multitude of factors, so the causes of customs disputes are not always clear-cut.

For example, the political situation in Ukraine has a significant impact on the operation of customs legislation. Political decisions taken in the customs sphere do not always comply with legal norms and requirements. After all, it has long been no secret that customs is considered one of the key players in filling Ukraine’s budget, which is why customs officials often inflate the amounts of fines and other customs payments without any justification.

The coronavirus and the 2020 pandemic have also disrupted all business processes, which could not fail to affect the customs authorities. In such crisis years for our country, when the shortage of budgetary funds is felt very acutely, customs officials are instructed to fill the state budget at any cost, without regard for the rights of businesses.

Not to mention that customs law is also a complex web of all manner of acts and agreements, encompassing both international documentation and the circulation of documents within the country. Documents are constantly being updated and amended, and this sometimes leads to certain contradictions.

Therefore, a party to a customs dispute – an ordinary employee of a foreign economic entity or a customs broker who lacks legal training and is unfamiliar with the nuances of customs legislation – will be unable to effectively counter customs officials.

To ensure a customs dispute is resolved in your favour, you need to engage a professional and experienced customs lawyer.

Lawyers at our firm will provide expert assistance and support in resolving customs disputes concerning unlawful seizures of goods, fines and penalties imposed by customs authorities, and other contentious situations.