Higher tax-free limits on the way?

The European Union has reportedly agreed to review its limits on tax-free imports, following pressure from the UK’s Chancellor, Gordon Brown. According to the Daily Mail, Mr Brown believes that British shoppers wanting to take advantage of a strong pound are being penalised for doing so, and that he would like the tax-free threshold raised from £145 to around £1,000. The Chancellor has reportedly written to the EU Customs Commissioner Laszlo Kovacs, arguing that a higher threshold would “better support cross-border shoppers”. Kovacs has reportedly replied that he will review the limit. A Treasury spokesman is quoted as saying: “We are pleased the Commission has responded to our proposals and look forward to negotiating a substantial increase in the limit.” However, the Mail points out, any such decision would need a unanimous vote from the 25 EU members states. Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd