Help!
I bought 600 cigarettes online that are quite a rare brand (600 was the minimum you could buy – they are Sobranie Cocktail) and I’ve just had a letter saying they have been confiscated by customs. They were shipped over from a bonded warehouse in Switzerland. In the letter it says that I can appeal, however I will have to appear before a Magistrates Court and if I lose I will have to pay all the court fees! I really don’t know what to do or what my chances are of winning this. I know I need to consult a solicitor but I really don’t want to spend money consulting with a solicitor if I decide not to appeal or if I lose??! Can anyone help me? They were all for my personal use. I just want them back! Image may be NSFW.
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Thank you.
I really hate people who mouth off an unhelpful personal opinion on this site. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, however I am looking for help, so if you do not have anything useful to say please don’t bother clicking on a question that is going to offend you.
Chosen Answer:
From HMRC’s website:
“Is it legal to buy tobacco over the internet from another European Community country?
Yes, but ONLY if the UK VAT and excise duty is paid on the goods. The person who sells the goods must make arrangements for these taxes to be paid before they are sent to you. If you are a customer, it is in your interests to ensure this has been done, otherwise the goods are liable to forfeiture by Customs at the postal depot”.
