- Latest available (Revised)
- Point in Time (31/12/2020)
- Original (As enacted)
Version Superseded: 29/04/2021
Point in time view as at 31/12/2020. This version of this provision has been superseded.
You are viewing this legislation item as it stood at a particular point in time. A later version of this or provision, including subsequent changes and effects, supersedes this version.
Note the term provision is used to describe a definable element in a piece of legislation that has legislative effect – such as a Part, Chapter or section.
Customs and Excise Management Act 1979, Section 154 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 09 September 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
Changes and effects yet to be applied by the editorial team are only applicable when viewing the latest version or prospective version of legislation. They are therefore not accessible when viewing legislation as at a specific point in time. To view the ‘Changes to Legislation’ information for this provision return to the latest version view using the options provided in the ‘What Version’ box above.
(1)An averment in any process in proceedings under the customs and excise Acts—
(a)that those proceedings were instituted by the order of the Commissioners; or
(b)that any person is or was a Commissioner, officer or constable, or a member of Her Majesty’s armed forces or coastguard; or
(c)that any person is or was appointed or authorised by the Commissioners to discharge, or was engaged by the orders or with the concurrence of the Commissioners in the discharge of, any duty; or
(d)that the Commissioners have or have not been satisfied as to any matter as to which they are required by any provision of those Acts to be satisfied; or
(e)that any ship is a British ship; or
(f)that any goods thrown overboard, staved or destroyed were so dealt with in order to prevent or avoid the seizure of those goods,
shall, until the contrary is proved, be sufficient evidence of the matter in question.
(2)Where in any proceedings relating to customs or excise any question arises as to the place from which any goods have been brought or as to whether or not—
(a)any duty has been paid or secured in respect of any goods; or
(b)any goods or other things whatsoever are of the description or nature alleged in the information, writ or other process; or
(c)any goods have been lawfully imported or lawfully unloaded from any [F1ship, aircraft or railway vehicle]; or
(d)any goods have been lawfully loaded into any [F2ship, aircraft or railway vehicle] or lawfully exported or were lawfully waterborne; or
(e)any goods were lawfully brought to any place for the purpose of being loaded into any [F3ship, aircraft or railway vehicle] or exported; or
(f)any goods are or were subject to any prohibition of or restriction on their importation or exportation,
then, where those proceedings are brought by or against the Commissioners, a law officer of the Crown or an officer, or against any other person in respect of anything purporting to have been done in pursuance of any power or duty conferred or imposed on him by or under the customs and excise Acts, the burden of proof shall lie upon the other party to the proceedings.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 154(2)(c) substituted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 106 (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)
F2Words in s. 154(2)(d) substituted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 106 (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)
F3Words in s. 154(2)(e) substituted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(1)(a), Sch. 7 para. 106 (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2020/1449, reg. 3 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(a)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Ss. 152–155 extended by Car Tax Act 1983 (c. 53, SIF 40:2), s. 1(4), Sch. 1 para. 8(8), Value Added Tax Act 1983 (c. 55, SIF 40:2), s. 39(9), S.I. 1987/1521, reg. 3(2)(b); 1987/2105, reg. 5(2) and 1988/1476, art. 5(2)
C2Ss. 144-148, 150-155 applied (01.01.1992) by S.I. 1991/2724, reg. 10(2)
Ss. 144-148, 150-155 applied (01.01.1992) by S.I. 1991/2725, reg. 6(2)
C3Ss. 144-148, 150-155 applied (01.01.1992) by S.I. 1991/2727, reg. 7(2)
C4S. 154 extended (27.9.1993) by 1993 c. 36, ss. 71(7), 78.
C5Ss. 144-148, 150-155 applied (23.6.1993) by S.I. 1993/1353, reg. 4(2)
Ss. 145-155 applied (3.5.1994) by 1994 c. 9, s. 64, Sch. 7 Pt. IV para. 11
Ss. 145-155 applied (with modifications) (1.9.1994) by 1994 c. 23, ss. 72(12), 101(1), Sch. 13 para. 13 (with Sch. 13 para. 9)
Ss. 145-155 applied (29.4.1996) by 1996 c. 8, s. 60, Sch. 5 Pt. III para. 17
Ss. 150-155 applied (1.3.1995) by S.I. 1995/271, reg. 12(2)
Ss. 150-155 applied (15.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2721, reg. 12(2)
Ss. 150-155 applied (1.5.1999) by S.I. 1999/1261, reg. 4(4)
Ss. 150-155 applied (14.10.1999) by S.I. 1999/2821, reg. 4(4)
Ss. 150-155 applied (14.10.1999) by S.I. 1999/2822, reg. 4(4)
Ss. 152-155 applied (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1618, regs. 5(1)(b), 6
Ss. 150-155 applied (with modifications) (15.7.1998) by S.I. 1998/1531, reg. 4(4)
Ss. 152-155 applied (1.7.1995) (with modifications) by S.I. 1995/1447, reg. 4(1)(b)
Ss. 150-155 applied (25.5.2000) by S.I. 2000/1408, reg. 3(4)
Ss. 145-155 applied (28.7.2000) by 2000 c. 17, s. 30(1), Sch. 6 Pt. VIII para. 96
Ss. 150-155 applied (28.9.2000) by S.I. 2000/2620, reg. 12(2)
Ss. 145-155 applied (11.5.2001) by 2001 c. 9, s. 26(5)
Ss. 145-155 applied (11.5.2001) by 2001 c. 9, s. 28, Sch. 6 para. 5
Ss. 150-155 applied (31.3.2002) by S.I. 2002/868, reg. 4(4)
C6Ss. 150-155 applied (6.2.2004) by The Democratic Republic of Congo (Financing and Financial Assistance and Technical Advice, Assistance and Training) (Penalties and Licences) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/221), regs. 1(1), 4(4)
C7Ss. 150-155 applied (19.2.2004) by The Sudan (Technical Assistance and Financing and Financial Assistance) (Penalties and Licences) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/373), regs. 1(1), 4(4)
C8Ss. 150-155 applied (26.2.2004) by The Liberia (Technical Assistance and Financing and Financial Assistance) (Penalties and Licences) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/432), regs. 1(1), 4(4) (with reg. 4(5))
C9Ss. 153-155 applied (3.3.2004) by The Trade in Controlled Goods (Embargoed Destinations) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/318), arts. 1, 11(2)
C10Ss. 153-155 applied (1.5.2004) by The Trade in Goods (Control) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/2765), arts. 1(1), 12(2)
C11Ss. 153-155 applied (1.5.2004) by Export of Goods, Transfer of Technology and Provision of Technical Assistance (Control) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/2764), arts. 1, 21(4)
C12Ss. 150-155 applied (17.5.2004) by The Burma (Sale, Supply, Export, Technical Assistance, Financing and Financial Assistance and Shipment of Equipment) (Penalties and Licences) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1315), regs. 1(1), 4(4)
C13Ss. 152-155 applied (1.7.2004) by The Goods Infringing Intellectual Property Rights (Customs) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1473), regs. 1, 7(1)(b) (with reg. 2(3))
C14Ss. 150-155 applied (9.2.2005) by The Export Control (Iraq and Ivory Coast) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/232), arts. 1(1), 5(4)
C15Ss. 150-155 applied (27.6.2005) by The Export Control (Democratic Republic of Congo) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/1677), arts. 1(1), 7(3)
C16Ss. 150-155 applied (26.11.2005) by The Export Control (Uzbekistan) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3257), arts. 1(1), 6(3)
C17Ss. 150-155 applied (27.7.2006) by The Export Control (Liberia) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/2065), arts. 1(1), 7(3)
C18Ss. 150-155 applied (30.7.2006) by The Technical Assistance Control Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1719), regs. 1(1), 6(3)
C19Ss. 150-155 applied (11.10.2006) by The Burma (Sale, Supply, Export, Technical Assistance, Financing and Financial Assistance) (Penalties and Licences) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2682), art. 1(1), reg. 6(3)
C20Ss. 150-155 applied (11.10.2006) by The Lebanon (Technical Assistance, Financing and Financial Assistance) (Penalties and Licences) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2681), regs. 1(1), 5(3)
C21S. 154 applied (27.4.2007) by The Export Control (North Korea) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1334), arts. 1(1), 7(4)
C22S. 154 applied (26.5.2007) by The Export Control (Iran) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1526), arts. 1(1), 6(4)
C23S. 154 applied (23.4.2008) by The Export Control (Burma) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/1098), arts. 1(1), 11(4)
C24Ss. 154, 155 applied (6.4.2009) by The Export Control Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/3231), arts. 1, 41(4)
C25Ss. 150-155 applied by 1983 c. 18, s. 1D(3) (as inserted (30.11.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 153(7), Sch. 17 para. 3; S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2(q))
C26S. 154 applied by SI 2009/1749, art. 13(3) (as substituted (11.12.2009) by The North Korea (United Nations Sanctions) (Amendment) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/3213), arts. 1(1), 11)
C27S. 154 applied (20.2.2010) by The Export Control (Guinea) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/364), arts. 1(1), 7(4)
C28Ss. 154, 155 applied by S.I. 2009/886, art. 11(3) (as substituted (17.12.2010) by The Iran (United Nations Sanctions) (Amendment) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/2978), arts. 1(1), 15)
C29S. 154 applied (17.2.2011) by The Export Control (Somalia) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/146), arts. 1(1), 5(4)
C30S. 154 applied (17.2.2011) by The Export Control (Liberia) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/145), arts. 1(1), 6(4)
C31S. 154 applied (18.3.2011) by The Export Control (Libya) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/825), arts. 1(1), 7(4)
C32S. 154 applied (25.5.2011) by The Export Control (Syria and Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/1304), arts. 1(1), 7(4)
C33S. 154 applied (13.6.2011) by The Export Control (Iran) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/1297), arts. 1, 14(4) (with art. 4)
C34S. 154 applied (13.6.2011) by The Export Control (Eritrea and Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/1296), arts. 1(1), 6(4)
C35S. 154 applied (5.9.2011) by The Export Control (Belarus) and (Syria Amendment) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/2010), arts. 1(1), 7(4)
C36S. 154 applied (30.11.2011) by The Export Control (Al-Qaida and Taliban Sanctions) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2649), regs. 1(1), 8(3)
C37S. 154 applied (30.12.2011) by The Export Control (Sudan and South Sudan Sanctions) and (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2925), regs. 1(1), 7(3)
C38S. 154 applied (5.4.2012) by The Export Control (Syria Sanctions) and (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/810), arts. 1(1), 15(4)
C39S. 154 applied (1.6.2012) by The Export Control (Iran Sanctions) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1243), arts. 1(1), 19(4)
C40S. 154 applied (28.8.2013) by The Export Control (Burma Sanctions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1964), arts. 1(1), 9(4)
C41S. 154 applied (6.9.2013) by The Export Control (Syria Sanctions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/2012), arts. 1(1), 18(4)
C42S. 154 applied (7.1.2014) by The Export Control (North Korea and Ivory Coast Sanctions and Syria Amendment) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/3182), arts. 1(1), 13(4)
C43S. 154 applied (26.9.2014) by The Export Control (Russia, Crimea and Sevastopol Sanctions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2357), arts. 1(1), 12(4)
C44S. 154 applied (31.12.2014) by The Export Control (Sudan, South Sudan and Central African Republic Sanctions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/3258), regs. 1(1), 10(3)
C45S. 154 applied (11.8.2015) by The Export Control (Democratic Republic of Congo Sanctions and Miscellaneous Amendments and Revocations) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/1546), arts. 1(1), 8(4)
C46S. 154 applied (27.8.2015) by The Export Control (Yemen Sanctions) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1586), regs. 1(1), 6(3)
C47S. 154 applied (6.5.2016) by The Export Control (Iran Sanctions) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/503), arts. 1(1), 16(4)
C48S. 154 applied (12.8.2016) by The Export Control (Libya Sanctions) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/787), arts. 1, 10(4)
C49S. 154 applied (22.2.2017) by The Export Control (North Korea Sanctions and Iran, Ivory Coast and Syria Amendment) Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/83), arts. 1, 16(4)
C50S. 154 applied (26.2.2018) by The Export Control (Venezuela Sanctions) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/108), arts. 1(1), 9(4)
C51S. 154 applied (with modifications) (14.3.2018) by The Export Control (North Korea Sanctions) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/200), arts. 1, 24(8)-(10)
C52Ss. 144-156 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2018) by The Soft Drinks Industry Levy (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/264), regs. 1(1), 2, Sch. (with regs. 3-5)
C53S. 154 applied (with modifications) (13.8.2018) by The Export Control (Burma Sanctions) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/871), arts. 1, 10(8)-(10)
C54S. 154 applied (with modifications) (14.8.2018) by The Export Control (Burma Sanctions) (No. 2) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/894), arts. 1, 10(8)-(10) (as amended (1.10.2019) by The Export Control (Sanctions) (Amendment) Order 2019 (S.I. 2019/1236), arts. 1(2), 7)
C55S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Democratic Republic of the Congo (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/433), regs. 1(2), 54(5)(6); S.I. 2019/627, reg. 5(2) 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
C56S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/855), regs. 1(2), 85(5)(6); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
C57S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Central African Republic (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/616), regs. 1(2), 54(5)(6); S.I. 2020/1514, reg. 10(2)
C58S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Somalia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/642), regs. 1(2), 68(5)(6); S.I. 2020/1514, reg. 12(2)
C59S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Sudan (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/753), regs. 1(2), 55(5)(6); S.I. 2020/1514, reg. 15(2)
C60S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Libya (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1665), regs. 1(3), 71(5)(6)
C61S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/792), regs. 1(3), 84(5)(6); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
C62S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Republic of Belarus (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/600), regs. 1(2), 53(5)(6); S.I. 2019/627, reg. 12(2) 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
C63S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Zimbabwe (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/604), regs. 1(2), 54(5)(6); S.I. 2019/627, reg. 13(2) 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
C64S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The South Sudan (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/438), regs. 1(2), 54(5)(6); S.I. 2019/627, reg. 6(2) 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
C65S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/461), regs. 1(2), 61(5)(6); S.I. 2019/627, reg. 8(2) 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
C66S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Counter-Terrorism (International Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/573), regs. 1(2), 47(5)(6); S.I. 2019/627, reg. 11(2) 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
C67S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Burma (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (revoked) 2019 (S.I. 2019/136), regs. 1(2), 56(5)(6); S.I. 2019/627, reg. 4(2) 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
C68S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Syria (United Nations Sanctions) (Cultural Property) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1233), regs. 1(2), 24(5)(6); S.I. 2020/1514, reg. 19
C69S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Iraq (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/707), regs. 1(2), 55(5)(6); S.I. 2020/1514, reg. 14(2)
C70S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida (United Nations Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/466), regs. 1(2), 44(5)(6); S.I. 2019/627, reg. 9(2) 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
C71S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Afghanistan (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/948), regs. 1(2), 43(5)(6); S.I. 2020/1514, reg. 16(2)
C72S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Lebanon (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/612), regs. 1(2), 29(5)(6); S.I. 2020/1514, reg. 9
C73S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Yemen (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1278), regs. 1(2), 54(5)(6); S.I. 2020/1514, reg. 20(2)
C74S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Iran (Sanctions) (Human Rights) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/134), regs. 1(2), 56(5)(6); S.I. 2019/627, reg. 2(2) 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
C75S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Venezuela (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/135), regs. 1(2), 56(5)(6); S.I. 2019/627, reg. 3(2) 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
C76S. 154 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2020) by The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/411), regs. 1(2), 115(5)(6); S.I. 2019/627, reg. 7(2) 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
C77S. 154(2) modified by Car Tax Act 1983 (c. 53, SIF 40:2), s. 1(4), Sch. 1 para. 8(9) and Value Added Tax Act 1983 (c. 55, SIF 40:2), s. 39(9)
C78S. 154(2) amended by S.I. 1990/2167, art. 4, Sch. para. 23
S. 154(2) applied (17.3.2000) by S.I. 1992/3155, art. 3A(6) (as inserted (17.3.2000) by S.I. 2000/426, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 9)
The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.
Would you like to continue?
The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download.
Would you like to continue?
The Whole Act without Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.
Would you like to continue?
The Whole Act without Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download.
Would you like to continue?
The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.
Would you like to continue?
The Whole Act without Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.
Would you like to continue?
Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.
Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.
Point in Time: This becomes available after navigating to view revised legislation as it stood at a certain point in time via Advanced Features > Show Timeline of Changes or via a point in time advanced search.
Geographical Extent: Indicates the geographical area that this provision applies to. For further information see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
Show Timeline of Changes: See how this legislation has or could change over time. Turning this feature on will show extra navigation options to go to these specific points in time. Return to the latest available version by using the controls above in the What Version box.
Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:
This timeline shows the different points in time where a change occurred. The dates will coincide with the earliest date on which the change (e.g an insertion, a repeal or a substitution) that was applied came into force. The first date in the timeline will usually be the earliest date when the provision came into force. In some cases the first date is 01/02/1991 (or for Northern Ireland legislation 01/01/2006). This date is our basedate. No versions before this date are available. For further information see the Editorial Practice Guide and Glossary under Help.
Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:
Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including: