Customs Lawyer

In brief: LightHouse LHLF est un cabinet d’avocats spécialisé en droit douanier. Nous accompagnons les entreprises qui importent et exportent sur l’ensemble de leurs problématiques douanières, en conseil comme en contentieux, à Paris et à Lyon.

import marchandise

Le droit douanier régit la circulation des marchandises à l’entrée et à la sortie de l’Union européenne. Il combine des règles techniques (Code des douanes de l’Union, tarif, régimes particuliers) et des enjeux financiers majeurs : droits de douane, TVA à l’importation, accises, sanctions. Un avocat en droit douanier sécurise vos flux, anticipe les risques et vous défend face à l’administration des douanes.

Tariff classification

We secure the tariff classification of your goods, obtain Binding Tariff Information (BTI) and challenge reclassifications by the authorities.

Origin and customs value

Preferential or non-preferential origin, free trade agreements, value declarations: we structure your flows to reduce duties safely.

Customs audits and litigation

Audit, investigation, official report: we assist you at every stage, from the response to the authorities to litigation, to limit reassessments.

Excise duties and indirect taxation

Alcohol, tobacco, energy products: we support authorised warehouse keepers and operators on their reporting obligations and excise disputes.

Export control and sanctions

Dual-use goods, embargoes, sanctions: we set up your export compliance programmes and secure your sensitive operations.

Customs advice and audit

We audit your import/export flows and build a tailored customs strategy, ahead of an audit or entry into a new market.

Team training

We train your customs and supply chain teams on regulatory developments, on-site or remotely.

Frequently asked questions

What should you do during a customs audit?

Keep the requested documents, do not admit any offence without analysis and seek assistance quickly. We check the regularity of the procedure, assess the real risk and negotiate to limit the reassessment.

How can a customs reassessment be challenged?

A reassessment can be challenged through an administrative appeal and, if necessary, before the courts. A customs settlement is also a common option. The key: demonstrating the merits of your position (classification, origin, value).

What is export control?

It is the set of rules governing the export of sensitive goods (dual-use, technologies, embargoes, sanctions). Non-compliance carries heavy penalties. We classify your products and build your export compliance.

Customs duties and import VAT: what is the difference?

Customs duties depend on tariff classification and origin; import VAT applies to the customs value plus duties. Two distinct but linked logics, which we handle together.