Customs

Expert customs law services to ensure compliance and optimize your international trade operations in India.

Customs Legal Services


Navigating the Complexities of International Trade

At Srivaalai, we specialize in providing comprehensive customs law services to help businesses navigate the intricate regulations governing international trade in India. Our experienced team of customs attorneys is dedicated to ensuring your business remains compliant while optimizing your import and export processes.

Your trusted source for comprehensive legal guidance and representation. We are a dedicated team of experienced attorneys committed to providing exceptional legal services to individuals, businesses, and organizations. With a strong foundation in legal expertise and a client-centric approach, we are here to guide you through even the most complex legal challenges.!

Customs Advisory:

Our dedicated customs advisory practice boasts a team of attorneys with decades of experience in handling customs disputes for major organizations involved in global trade. Our multidisciplinary team, the largest in India, includes qualified advocates, chartered accountants, economists, ex-government officials, trade experts, and business management professionals.
Our team has extensive expertise in customs laws, including all subordinate rules and regulations. We handle issues related to classification, valuation, interpretation of exemption notifications, and restrictions on cross-border trade, as well as Free Trade Agreements.
We provide tailored solutions that go beyond addressing the immediate issue. By envisioning multiple possible scenarios, our solutions aim to mitigate long-term risks. We strive for holistic solutions that consider not only customs laws but also allied laws.
Our Customs Advisory Practice offers end-to-end solutions to legal challenges in cross-border business transactions. We emphasize ensuring legal compliance with customs and other allied laws while also leveraging tax planning opportunities and incentives provided by various government policies.

Tariff Classification and Valuation
- Accurate classification and valuation of goods to minimize duty liabilities. - Assistance with tariff disputes and obtaining binding rulings from Indian customs authorities.
Country of Origin and Marking Requirements
- Guidance on proper country of origin labeling to comply with Indian and international standards. - Assistance with marking requirements to avoid penalties and delays.
Customs Audits and Compliance
- Preparation and representation during customs audits conducted by Indian customs authorities. - Development of compliance programs to prevent future issues.
Protests, Penalties, and Liquidated Damages Claims
- Filing and managing protests against customs decisions. - Negotiation and mitigation of penalties and liquidated damages claims.
Preferential Duty Programs
- Advising on eligibility and benefits of preferential duty programs such as ASEAN-India FTA, SAFTA, and others. - Assistance with documentation and compliance for duty-free or reduced-duty imports.
Bonded Warehouses and Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
- Guidance on the use of bonded warehouses and SEZs to defer duties. - Assistance with setting up and managing operations within these zones.
Prior Disclosures and Voluntary Tenders
- Advising on the benefits and procedures of making prior disclosures to Indian customs authorities. - Assistance with voluntary tenders to correct past non-compliance issues.
ATA Carnets
- Assistance with obtaining and using ATA Carnets for temporary importation of goods.

Our comprehensive range of services includes:
  • Product classification under the Harmonised System of Nomenclature (HSN)
  • Customs valuation and assistance in investigation of related party transactions by the Special Valuation Branch (SVB) with impact analysis and consistency under Transfer Pricing provisions
  • Export restrictions including restrictions on dual-use and/or defense-related items under SCOMET
  • Trade facilitation and Authorized Economic Operator programme
  • Health check and review of compliance under Customs and other allied laws
  • Contract reviews for international/cross-border transactions
  • Foreign Trade Policy and Procedures
  • Export incentives
  • Regional/Free Trade Agreements and compliance under Rules of Origin
  • Special Economic Zones/Free Trade Warehousing Zones and their impact on procurement strategy and supply chain
  • Customs warehousing including in-bond processing
  • Trade remedies including anti-dumping and countervailing duties
  • Special restrictions and compliance with food laws, Drugs & Cosmetics Act, Packaged Commodities Rules, etc., in the context of cross-border transactions
  • Assistance in filing and representing the company before the Customs Authority for Advance Ruling
  • Handling litigation support during departmental investigations by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, the Special Intelligence and Investigative Branch, and other agencies. Drafting replies, representations, and statutory appeals for submission to various judicial forums. Representation by our attorneys before various forums, including the Customs Appellate Tribunal, High Courts, and the Supreme Court. Drafting writ petitions, civil appeals, and special leave petitions for submission to High Courts and the Supreme Court of India