The civil forfeiture powers which apply to cash also extend to certain portable, high-value items - precious metals and stones, watches, works of art, face-value vouchers and postage stamps. We explain how listed assets may be searched for, seized, detained and forfeited.

In brief

• Six categories of "listed asset" may be seized on reasonable suspicion, if worth at least £1,000.

• Initial detention is short, and any longer detention requires a magistrates' court order.

• Forfeiture is decided on the balance of probabilities, with an appeal to the Crown Court within 30 days.

The listed assets regime

Chapter 3A of Part 5 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 ("POCA"), inserted by the Criminal Finances Act 2017 and in force from 2018, applies the civil forfeiture model used for cash to tangible high-value property. Like the cash regime, it operates against the property itself, needs no conviction, and is decided on the balance of probabilities.

What counts as a listed asset

By section 303B, a listed asset is an item falling within one of six categories: precious metals, precious stones, watches, artistic works, face-value vouchers and postage stamps. The Secretary of State may amend the list by regulations. The regime is therefore directed at the kinds of portable, valuable items commonly used to store or move value outside the banking system.

Search and seizure

A relevant officer has powers to search premises, vehicles and persons for listed assets, subject to prior approval and reporting requirements (sections 303C to 303F). Under section 303J, an officer may seize a listed asset if he has reasonable grounds for suspecting that it is recoverable property or is intended by any person for use in unlawful conduct, provided that its value is not less than the "minimum value". The minimum value is set by order and currently stands at £1,000 (section 303Y).

Detention

By section 303K, a seized listed asset may initially be detained for six hours, which a senior officer may extend to a total of 48 hours. Any longer detention requires a magistrates' court order, which may authorise detention for up to six months at a time, subject to an overall limit of two years from the date of the first order (section 303L). The court must be satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for suspicion, and that

continued detention is justified whilst the matter is investigated or proceedings are considered or pursued.

Forfeiture, appeal and compensation

Under section 303O, a magistrates' court may order the forfeiture of a listed asset if satisfied that it is recoverable property or is intended by any person for use in unlawful conduct; a forfeited asset is then realised under section 303T. A party aggrieved by a decision on forfeiture may appeal to the Crown Court within 30 days (section 303S). Provision is made for the release of a listed asset to victims and other owners (section 303V), and for compensation where no forfeiture order is made, but only where the applicant has suffered loss as a result of the detention and the circumstances are exceptional (section 303W).

How DWK Law can help

DWK Lawact for those whose property has been seized under the listed assets regime, at the detention stage, at contested forfeiture hearings and on appeal.

Speak to a member of our team in confidence on 020 3179 2924, or by email to info@dwklaw.co.uk.

DWK Law. This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. The law is stated as at the 6th November 2026 and may have changed since. Advice should be taken on the facts of any particular case.