Customs Law
At Arthur & Marin, we are a Brussels-based law firm with international expertise, specialized in Customs Law, foreign trade, and European Union customs regulations.
Our team combines legal expertise with technical knowledge to advise companies, freight forwarders, and logistics operators at every stage of cross-border trade.
What is Customs Law and why is it essential?
Customs Law is the branch of law that regulates the international movement of goods and the procedures to be followed when importing or exporting products. Proper application ensures regulatory compliance, avoids penalties, and optimizes the logistics costs of any cross-border commercial operation.
We help our clients understand and safely apply all obligations derived from EU customs regulations and international treaties, with a particular focus on the Union Customs Code (UCC) and multilateral agreements under the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Who is Customs Law for, and who can benefit from our services?
Customs Law is important for any entity engaged in international trade. We offer specialized support tailored to various professional and corporate profiles, including:
- Importing and exporting companies that carry out regular operations and need legal certainty in their customs declarations.
- Internationally oriented manufacturers aiming to access markets outside the EU under preferential tariff regimes.
- Logistics operators, customs agents, and freight forwarders who must ensure accurate documentation processing to avoid penalties and liabilities.
- Multinational companies, startups, and SMEs introducing products into the global market that require correct tariff classification and compliance.
- E-commerce businesses, especially those using dropshipping systems or international platforms, facing risks due to customs non-compliance.
- Whether you are a multinational or an entrepreneur beginning your international journey, our firm provides effective and tailored legal solutions.
Our specialized Customs law services
Tariff classification advice:
We determine the correct TARIC code for your products, minimizing the risk of inspections and penalties.
Customs valuation and duty calculation:
We assist with proper customs value declaration, including adjustments for licenses, royalties, or commissions.
Rules of origin and preferential agreements:
We assess whether your products meet origin criteria to benefit from reduced or zero tariffs.
Representation before customs authorities:
We defend your interests in administrative and judicial proceedings before customs authorities in Belgium and before European bodies.
Customs litigation and appeals
We file appeals against assessments, seizures, adjustments, and other administrative decisions affecting your operations.
Trade defence measures:
We intervene in cases involving anti-dumping, countervailing duties, or safeguard measures.
Customs compliance audits
We review your operations to align them with the Union Customs Code and ensure regulatory compliance.
Effective customs management does more than prevent errors and sanctions – it offers a real competitive advantage: reducing costs, streamlining processes, and enhancing your company’s reputation with clients and business partners.
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Why choose us for customs law advice?
At Arthur & Marin, Customs Law is a core pillar of our legal practice. We support our clients through all phases of their international operations with our proprietary and efficient method, based on regulatory foresight, strategic analysis, and specialized technical defence.
Over 15 years of specific experience in Customs Law
And international taxation, advising exporters, freight forwarders, and multinational groups.
Personalized, multilingual support (Spanish, French, and English)
Essential for fluid communication in cross-border contexts.
Deep understanding of the EU legal framework
(Union Customs Code, bilateral agreements, origin regulations) and WTO rules and international trade treaties.
Representation before national customs authorities
Courts of Justice, and EU bodies in litigation or alternative dispute resolution procedures.
Our priority is safe, compliant international trade and growth, free from regulatory obstacles.
Our three-step working method in Customs law
- Preventive diagnosis: We analyze your operations, documentation, and customs risks before any issues arise.
- Tailored implementation: We help you structure your internal customs processes according to the applicable legal framework and your commercial goals.
- Strategic defence: We act on your behalf during inspections, claims, and disputes, maximizing your legal safeguards and reducing your costs.
Real cases and applied legal solutions
A European textile company was penalized for declaring a value below the actual one in its imports from Asia. After our intervention, we demonstrated that transport and insurance costs should not have been included in the calculation under applicable regulations.
Result: Penalty annulled, immediate release of goods, and improved internal declaration procedures.
A tech company was penalized for incorrect tariff classification of electronic components. We conducted a thorough legal and technical study that justified a different classification with significantly lower tariffs.
Result: Official correction of the TARIC code, reimbursement of wrongly paid duties, and exemption for future imports.
An international logistics operator was subject to a customs inspection after a review of past operations. We prepared the legal defence, compiled supporting documents, and submitted formal arguments based on EU customs law.
Result: Closure of the procedure without penalties and validation of the operator’s reliability.
We assisted an agri-food company in applying for the inward processing procedure, allowing it to process imported goods without paying duties until re-exportation.
Result: 17% reduction in operating costs and legally structured tax optimization.
Frequently Asked Questions
The UCC is the main regulatory framework governing customs and goods trade within the EU. It establishes general rules and procedures for goods entering or leaving the EU customs territory.
The applicable tariff depends on the product’s tariff classification (TARIC code), origin, and customs value. For accurate classification, consulting a specialist is highly recommended.
It is a status granted by customs authorities to companies that meet strict criteria on financial solvency, regulatory compliance, and security. It offers major benefits such as simplified customs controls.
While not always mandatory, having a professional customs representative is highly recommended. They manage the complexities of declarations and ensure compliance, acting as a strategic partner for importers or exporters.
The main change is the elimination of the customs duty exemption for low-value shipments. This requires adapting prices and declaration processes to remain competitive.
Need customs law advice?
At Arthur & Marin, we understand that customs errors can result in penalties, shipping delays, and financial losses. That’s why we offer specialized legal advice in Customs Law, designed to protect your international operations and ensure compliance from the very first shipment.
- Do you import, export, or handle goods subject to customs control?
- Do you have questions about tariff classification, customs value, or rules of origin?
- Have you received a customs inspection notice or penalty?
We’re here to help
Contact us
info@arthurmarin.com
Call us
+32 465 34 53 45