The British government is reportedly facing a legal challenge from Brussels unless customs officers stop being “over-zealous” in their treatment of travellers.
As reported by News From Abroad, there has been an ongoing disagreement between the EC and the Government over the amount of alcohol and tobacco that can legally be brought back into the UK.
Current EU rules state that there are no limits as long as whatever is imported is for personal consumption and, according to The Times, is now saying that travellers who import alcohol and tobacco for friends and family should not be penalised – as long as they do not make a profit from their activities.
British customs officers have been accused of being over-zealous, confiscating goods and even impounding vehicles if they believe the amounts imported are not for personal use.
The Times quotes Fritz Bolkestein, Taxation Commissioner, as saying: “The UK sanctions, which are based on the seizure of goods, and sometimes cars, quite often go too far and interfere with people exercising the right given to them by the EU internal market to go shopping in other states. This is obviously not acceptable.”
The newspaper states that the British government will defend its policy, claiming that its actions have been “proportionate”.
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad
