HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has seized nearly 15,000 imported items from delivery warehouses across the UK in a three-day operation targeting customs fraud. The seized goods, intended for sale to UK customers, were removed from 25 different sites.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat suspected fraud by overseas and UK businesses that are undercutting legitimate firms by evading customs duty. HMRC has conducted 26 similar seizures from warehouses in the past nine months, targeting items such as e-bikes, robot vacuum cleaners, 3D printers, and air humidifiers. "We're determined to create a level playing field to allow honest businesses to thrive and will take robust action to make sure that everyone pays the correct duty due for importing goods into the UK," said Marc Gill, Director, Individuals & Small Business Compliance at HMRC. "We will not tolerate abuse of the customs regime and these seizures show that our checks can and do stretch beyond the border. I hope it sends a clear message to any business that thinks it can import counterfeit, misdescribed or undervalued goods that we can and do work with registered fulfilment businesses to identify and seize items inland."

Businesses that store and deliver imported goods for overseas businesses must be approved by HMRC under the Fulfilment House Due Diligence Scheme (FHDDS). Over 600 businesses are currently registered under the scheme. While the latest seizure was supported by the businesses holding the stock, the items were not owned by them.