Customs & DRI
Our firm provides comprehensive legal services as a customs law firm through experienced customs lawyers and advocates advising businesses, traders, importers, exporters, corporates, high-net-worth individuals, NRIs and foreign entities on matters arising under the Customs Act and allied trade laws. We represent clients before Customs authorities, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), adjudicating officers, appellate authorities and courts across India, including matters originating from major ports and airports such as Mumbai.
The work spans advisory, enforcement defence and dispute resolution in customs proceedings involving show cause notices, investigations, search and seizure actions, arrests, confiscation of goods, penalties, prosecution, appeals and complex import-export disputes. Clients approach us where customs action involves serious financial exposure, regulatory risk, business disruption or personal liberty concerns.
Customs Show Cause Notices, Adjudication and Penalty
Our customs lawyers and advocates advise and represent clients in responding to customs show cause notices alleging misdeclaration, undervaluation or overvaluation, incorrect classification, duty evasion, prohibited or restricted goods, licensing violations and non-compliance with import-export regulations. Services include drafting replies, representation before adjudicating authorities and advisory on confiscation, penalties, redemption fines and recovery proceedings.
Customs Search, Seizure, Arrest and Preventive Actions
We represent clients through advocates in customs search and seizure actions conducted at ports, airports, bonded warehouses, offices, factories and residences. This includes defence in matters involving seizure of goods, gold, currency and valuables, arrest proceedings, remand and bail, and protection of rights during preventive and investigative action by customs authorities.
DRI Investigations, Summons and Prosecution Defence
Our customs law firm advises and defends clients in investigations initiated by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, including summons, recording of statements, search operations and prosecution under the Customs Act. Assistance is provided during investigation, enforcement proceedings and prosecution before competent courts, with focus on regulatory strategy and mitigation of exposure.
Import–Export Disputes and Trade Compliance Advisory
We advise importers and exporters on customs disputes and trade compliance involving valuation disputes, classification issues, licensing and authorisation matters, prohibited and restricted goods, foreign trade policy violations, customs broker liability, audit objections and regulatory inspections. Advisory support is aimed at managing risk and preventing escalation into enforcement action.
Confiscation, Recovery, Settlement and Compounding
Our advocates represent clients in proceedings involving confiscation of goods, recovery of customs duty, imposition of penalties and redemption fines. Where appropriate, advice is provided on settlement mechanisms, compounding of offences and mitigation of liability in accordance with statutory provisions.
Appeals and Appellate Proceedings
We advise and represent clients in appeals against customs orders before Commissioner (Appeals), the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) and higher judicial forums. Services include appellate strategy, interim relief and stay applications, and final adjudication of disputes.
Customs Compliance and Preventive Advisory
We provide non-contentious advisory through our customs lawyers on compliance, documentation, audit preparedness, risk assessment and preventive controls designed to reduce exposure to searches, seizures, investigations and enforcement proceedings, particularly for businesses engaged in regular cross-border trade.
Focus
This page is dedicated to serious customs and DRI engagements involving investigations, enforcement, prosecution, appeals and regulatory compliance for businesses, individuals, NRIs and foreign entities. Routine clerical, agent-level or filing services are not undertaken.