​IS11 Objection – Challenging a UK Civil Penalty for Clandestine Entrants
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What is an IS11 Civil Penalty Notice?​

An IS11 Notice is issued by UK Border Force when a civil penalty is imposed under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 and the Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme.

It may arise where:
👉 A clandestine entrant is found concealed in a vehicle entering the UK
👉 A goods vehicle is considered inadequately secured
👉 Required vehicle security procedures were not followed
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Penalties may reach:
👉 Up to £10,000 per clandestine entrant
​👉 Up to £6,000 for failure to secure a vehicle, even if no entrant is foundfor fines imposed on their drivers.

Important:
​You have 28 days to Object

You must submit a formal written objection within 28 days of the penalty notice was issued.

If no objection is submitted:
👉The penalty becomes enforceable after the payment deadline
👉 The vehicle may be detained for non-payment
👉Additional costs may apply Early action significantly improves the prospects of reduction.
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How UK Civil Penalties Are Calculated

Civil penalties imposed by UK Border Force under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 follow a structured calculation method.
The starting point depends on:

• The type of breach
• The number of previous penalties in the last five years
• Whether the penalty relates to failure to secure a vehicle or carrying clandestine entrants
  
  

Failure to Secure a Goods Vehicle 

​Maximum Penalty

• £6,000 per responsible person per incident
• Maximum aggregate penalty per incident: £12,000

This means that if both a driver and an operator are liable, the total combined penalty cannot exceed £12,000 for that incident.

Starting Point Based on Previous Penalties ​

• No previous penalties (last 5 years) → Starting point: £1,500
• One previous penalty (last 5 years) → Starting point: £3,000
• Two or more previous penalties (last 5 years) → Starting point: £6,000

Carrying Clandestine Entrants

Maximum Penalty

• £10,000 per responsible person per clandestine entrant
• Maximum aggregate penalty per clandestine entrant: £20,000

This means that for one entrant, the combined total for all responsible persons cannot exceed £20,000.
If multiple entrants are found, the penalty is calculated separately per entrant.

Starting Point Based on Previous Penalties 

• No previous penalties (last 5 years) → Starting point: £6,000
• One previous penalty (last 5 years) → Starting point: £10,000

Companies may also be liable for penalties imposed on their drivers!!!

How We Can Help

A civil penalty can seriously affect your business. Early and structured legal action significantly increases the likelihood of reduction.

​We specialise in assisting EU transport operators fined by UK Border Force under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
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We Act Quickly

• Immediate review of your IS11 notice
• Clear assessment of liability and penalty calculation
• Identification of possible errors or mitigation grounds
• Structured objection drafted and submitted within the 28-day deadline

​We Build a Strong Case

• Organisation of inspection and seal records
• Review of vehicle security procedures
• Presentation of compliance history
• Strategic mitigation arguments focused on lawful reduction or cancellation

If Further Action Is Needed

​If the objection is rejected, we advise on the available next steps and work closely with trusted UK-qualified solicitors who conduct any required court appeal.

​​We have successfully reduced or cancelled
more than 500 civil penalties
​relating to clandestine entrants and unsecured vehicles

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