CAMPAIGNING MEP BACKS COMMMISSION AGAINST BRITISH CUSTOMS

Scots MEP John Purvis wants to hear from constituents who have had problems with British Customs when trying to bring duty-paid goods into the UK from other EU countries.

The MEP has been campaigning to stop Customs confiscating the goods and vehicles of British travellers legitimately bringing tobacco and alcohol into the UK .

"EU citizens have the right to buy excise goods such as tobacco and alcohol in other EU countries and to bring them home without any formalities,” said Mr Purvis.

"The travellers are not liable to pay taxes a second time, provided the goods are not for commercial use and they transport the goods themselves.

"While, as a result of representations to the UK government, there is less seizure of legitimately bought and transported goods, there is still a problem with the penalties being applied to people for minor offences.

"Under its present sanctions policy, the UK distinguishes between offenders holding goods with a view to selling them for profit and those who have bought them for friends or neighbours without seeking to make a profit.

"For the latter category, the policy is still to seize the goods – and sometimes the vehicles - which are not then restored.

"These are harsh measures for minor infringements which could be dealt with by means of a fine and the payment of the duty on the goods.

"I shall be happy to take up the case of any of my constituents who feel they have been unjustly treated by Customs.”

Commissioner Frits Bolkestein who is responsible for European law on customs and excise has formally requested that the British Government amend its policies on excise duties and cross-border shopping for tobacco and alcohol

Even where there has been an infringement, the Commission considers the seizure of goods and vehicles by British Customs is disproportionate to the gravity of the offence in some situations and that it represents an obstacle to the free movement of goods.

Current EU guidelines recommend acceptable levels designated for personal use should be up to 90 litres of table wine, 110 litres of beer, 10 litres of spirits and 8900 cigarettes.

Following the campaign by Mr Purvis and other politicians, the Commission investigated two issues – the rules in Articles 8 and 9 of Council Directive 92/12/EEC concerning goods brought in by private individuals for their own use from other member states and the system of controls and sanctions applied by the UK in this respect.

Note to Editors: John Purvis has been a member of the Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy and Vice Chairman of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. He can be contacted by e-mail at jpurvis@europarl.eu.int or visit his website on http://www.scottishtorymeps.org.uk. Brussels Office Tel: +32 2 284 5684.

Press Contact: Frances Donald Tel 01592 643200