Professional profile
About Jimmy
Jimmy Ma defends and advises companies on dual-use export control and customs smuggling matters, combining a former Customs Anti-Smuggling Bureau background with a criminal defence practice built over nearly two decades of customs law work.
Jimmy Ma practices at Beijing Wanshang Tianqin Law Firm. He worked in a Customs Anti-Smuggling Bureau for nearly ten years before entering private practice, and has nearly 20 years of experience in customs legal matters, spanning inspection, investigation and trial phases. He is one of a small number of Beijing lawyers focused on customs law and smuggling defence.
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Jimmy Ma specialises in the defence of dual-use item smuggling cases, cases involving the smuggling of goods and articles whose import and export is prohibited or restricted by the state, and the smuggling of ordinary goods. His defence work covers the criminal investigation, prosecution review and court trial stages, including pre-filing compliance assessment, bail applications, submissions against arrest, and innocence or mitigated-sentence arguments at trial, seeking to obtain exemption from criminal punishment or a suspended sentence.
Jimmy Ma helps industrial, chemical, advanced materials, precision instrument and technology companies determine whether their items are controlled dual-use items. He assists companies in building item export screening systems and guides them in applying to the Ministry of Commerce and other authorities for dual-use item and technology export licences in accordance with China's Export Control Law and the Regulations on the Export Control of Dual-Use Items.
In response to customs audits, administrative investigations initiated by customs anti-smuggling authorities, or tax recovery actions, Jimmy Ma helps companies conduct internal reviews, organise import and export records, customs declarations, contracts and foreign exchange flows, and communicates with customs authorities on their behalf. He prepares professional legal opinions and seeks to reduce the level of administrative penalties or prevent referral to smuggling investigation.
Drawing on RCEP and other regional trade agreements, Jimmy Ma helps companies optimise commodity classification (HS Code), customs valuation and origin determination processes. He identifies risks arising from inaccurate origin declarations, under-valuation, or royalty payments not included in customs value, which can trigger smuggling charges and tax recovery proceedings under the Criminal Law.
Engagements are confirmed in writing, including scope, fees and communication protocols. Jimmy Ma does not promise outcomes; the commitment is accurate analysis, disciplined preparation and clear updates as facts evolve. Remote consultations are available for clients outside Beijing.
When using this profile's contact form, please include: the items and HS/ECCN classification involved; the shipment or investigation timeline; customs declarations and documents already issued; whether the matter is at the administrative, investigation or prosecution stage; and any fixed deadlines. Early involvement is critical in criminal matters — if a detention or investigation notice has already been issued, flag it first so preservation and bail work take priority.
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