Customs officers' seizure powers to continue

The Government has rejected a Law Commission recommendation that it should overhaul Customs officers' powers of seizure.

A commission report found the Customs regime was too intrusive, could hand out disproportionate penalties and lacked rights of appeal.

The Government said the commission's proposals would reduce incentives for compliance and lessen the deterrence effect of Customs. There was no history of complaints or concern about the present system.