Legum Attorney is an India-based law firm advising international companies, foreign businesses, exporters, importers, manufacturers, trading houses and multinational enterprises on Indian Customs Law, Import-Export Regulations and International Trade Law.
We assist businesses from the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, UAE, Dubai, Singapore, Australia and other jurisdictions with legal and regulatory issues arising from importing goods into India, exporting goods from India and conducting cross-border trade involving India.
Our practice covers Customs disputes, DRI investigations, import-export compliance, DGFT, Customs valuation and classification, Free Trade Agreements, Rules of Origin, SCOMET, export controls, anti-dumping and other Indian trade regulations.
Your Legal Counsel in India for International Trade
If your company is based outside India and is importing into India, exporting from India, appointing an Indian distributor, establishing an Indian supply chain or facing an Indian Customs or trade-regulatory issue, our team can assist with Indian legal advice and representation.
Airport Customs, Gold Smuggling & Baggage Cases
Legum Attorney also advises and represents individuals, passengers and businesses in airport Customs and baggage-related cases, including allegations involving gold smuggling, undeclared gold, improper declaration of dutiable goods, seizure of gold or other valuables, confiscation of baggage, Customs detention, show-cause notices and penalties.
Our work involves complex investigations, high-value disputes, and regulatory proceedings before customs authorities, tribunals, and courts across India.
Customs Investigations & Enforcement
We represent clients in matters involving:
- DRI investigations and Customs proceedings
- Show Cause Notices and adjudication
- Search, seizure, and confiscation matters
- Smuggling and economic offence allegations
- Customs prosecution proceedings
- Summons and statement recording
- Appeals before CESTAT, High Courts, and Supreme Court
Advisory
Our customs and trade advisory services include:
- Customs valuation and SVB matters
- HSN classification disputes
- Import-export compliance advisory
- Customs duty and tariff issues
- Rules of Origin and FTA advisory
- Bonded warehousing and trade facilitation
- DGFT and Foreign Trade Policy matters
- SCOMET and export control compliance
Representations before Customs Authorities
Making representations before:
Appearance before Customs Authorities
DRI & SIIB matters
DGFT / DGTR proceedings.
SEZ (Special Economic Zone) Practice
Legum Attorney advises SEZ units, exporters, manufacturers, and cross-border businesses on customs, trade, and regulatory issues arising under India’s Special Economic Zone framework.
Our practice covers:
- SEZ compliance and operational advisory
- Duty-free import and export benefits
- DTA clearances and customs disputes
- SEZ-related investigations and Show Cause Notices
- Allegations involving misuse of exemptions and export obligations
- Customs and GST issues involving SEZ transactions
- Representation before SEZ authorities, Customs Department, and appellate forums
We are a customs law firm in India acting as customs lawyers for importers, exporters, and businesses in complex import-export matters. As import-export lawyers, we represent clients in customs compliance, DRI investigations, and disputes across India.
Customs Litigation
Our customs lawyers in Delhi represent clients in high-stakes disputes arising from import-export transactions, including enforcement actions and regulatory proceedings.
- Defence in customs seizure and confiscation matters
- Representation in Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) investigations
- Handling show cause notices and adjudication proceedings
- Appeals before CESTAT, High Courts, and Supreme Court
Advisory
As customs lawyers for importers and exporters, we assist in structuring transactions and ensuring compliance with customs and foreign trade regulations to avoid disputes and penalties.
- Classification and valuation of imported/exported goods
- Duty optimization, exemptions, and benefits
- DGFT regulations, licensing, and compliance
- Import-export documentation and procedural compliance
DRI Lawyer in Delhi & Mumbai
Our customs law firm in Delhi and Mumbai represents importers, exporters, and businesses in complex DRI investigations and enforcement proceedings arising from import-export transactions and regulatory violations. As DRI lawyers, we assist clients in managing enforcement risks and responding effectively to regulatory action.
- Legal assistance in DRI summons, search, and seizure proceedings in Delhi and Mumbai
- Strategic response to DRI investigation notices and show cause notices
- Representation before customs authorities and enforcement agencies
- Managing risks arising from regulatory scrutiny and enforcement actions
We advise clients across Delhi, Mumbai, and other major trade hubs in handling high-stakes DRI matters with a strategic and result-oriented approach.
Advance Ruling (AAR) & Appellate AAR under Customs Law
We act as customs lawyers advising importers, exporters, and businesses on obtaining Advance Rulings (AAR) under customs law to achieve certainty in classification, valuation, and duty implications before undertaking transactions. We also represent clients in appeals before the Appellate Authority for Advance Rulings (AAAR).
We advise on complex cross-border trade frameworks involving regulatory compliance, enforcement actions, and significant commercial risk.
Trade Policy & Regulatory Advisory
We assist businesses and importers in navigating cross-border trade regulations, ensuring compliance while minimizing regulatory risk and disruption to operations.
- Advisory on Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) and DGFT regulations
- Assistance with Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and duty benefits
- Representation in anti-dumping and trade remedy matters
- Compliance support for import-export transactions
- Advisory on export controls, sanctions, and restrictions
Our focus is on enabling efficient international operations while managing regulatory exposure and enforcement risks.
Free Trade Agreements & Duty Optimization
We assist businesses in leveraging trade agreements and incentive schemes to optimize duty structures and enhance competitiveness in global markets.
- Advisory on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and preferential trade benefits
- Structuring transactions to avail duty exemptions and incentives
- Assistance with export promotion schemes
DGTR & Anti-Dumping
Trade Remedies & Investigations
We represent clients in trade remedy matters and regulatory investigations, including anti-dumping and safeguard duty proceedings.
- Representation in anti-dumping and safeguard duty cases (DGTR)
- Handling trade-related investigations and enforcement actions
- Strategic response to regulatory notices and proceedings
Cross-Border Compliance & Risk Management
We support clients in managing legal risks arising from international transactions and supply chains, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Compliance for import-export transactions and global supply chains
- Advisory on export controls, sanctions, and restrictions
- Risk assessment for cross-border trade operations
India Legal Counsel for International Trade Transactions
International businesses often require an Indian lawyer who understands the Indian regulatory side of an international commercial transaction.
We can assist overseas clients and their professional advisers with India-specific legal issues relating to:
- Import and export structures
- Indian distributors and trading arrangements
- Cross-border supply chains
- Customs compliance
- Import duties
- Trade regulations
- Regulatory risk
- FTA benefits
- Rules of Origin
- Export controls
- Customs disputes
Our role can complement the work of foreign lawyers, international law firms, tax advisers, customs consultants, freight forwarders and commercial advisers by providing the required Indian legal perspective.
Top FAQs
What is customs law in India?
Customs law governs the import and export of goods, including duties, compliance requirements, and penalties for violations. It ensures proper classification, valuation, and clearance of goods through Indian customs authorities.
What should I do if I receive a customs notice?
If you receive a customs notice, you should immediately consult a customs lawyer to prepare a proper legal reply within the prescribed time. Delay or incorrect response may lead to penalties, confiscation, or prosecution.
Can customs authorities seize imported goods?
Yes, customs authorities can seize goods if they suspect violations such as misdeclaration, undervaluation, or illegal imports. Legal assistance is essential to challenge such seizure and seek release of goods.
What is undervaluation in customs and its consequences?
Undervaluation occurs when the declared value of imported goods is lower than the actual transaction value to evade duty. It may result in penalties, confiscation of goods, and even prosecution under customs laws.
How can a customs lawyer help in DRI or investigation cases?
A customs lawyer assists in handling investigations by authorities like DRI, prepares legal responses, represents clients during interrogation, and ensures protection of legal rights throughout the proceedings.
What are anti-dumping duties in international trade?
Anti-dumping duties are imposed on imported goods sold below fair market value to protect domestic industries. Legal experts help businesses respond to investigations and ensure compliance with trade regulations.
Can customs penalties be challenged or reduced?
Yes, customs penalties can be challenged before appellate authorities such as the Commissioner (Appeals), CESTAT, or higher courts. Proper legal strategy can significantly reduce or eliminate penalties.
What are common customs law violations in India?
We offer:
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Legal representation before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and RBI.
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Advisory on FDI, ODI, ECBs, and cross-border transactions.
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Filing responses to FEMA Show Cause Notices.
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Assistance with compounding of FEMA violations to avoid litigation.
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FEMA compliance audits for businesses and startups.