Roseline Logistics v HMRC: a warning on customs agent liability
Holly Piggott
Director, Alinea Customs, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Published 26 Aug 2025

Case law
taxes and tariffs
The article below examines a recent ruling by the UK First-tier Tax Tribunal regarding liability for unpaid import VAT. The case clarifies whether customs agents are liable if they have not been formally appointed. It also clarifies when customs agents may still be held accountable for unpaid import VAT if they participate in a customs obligation violation and should reasonably have been aware of it.