UK taken to court over duty penalties
21 Oct 04
EU Commission challenges UK customs penalties over "booze cruise" imports
The European Commission decided yesterday to take formal legal proceedings against the British Government over customs penalties on those suspected of bringing excessive cheap alcohol and tobacco back from the continent.
The Commission believes the penalties, which can include the impounding of vehicles, breach EU law as being disproportionate for those who are bringing back goods for family and friends.
The government insists it is targeting smugglers who bring back quantities which could not possibly be for their own use, in order to evade excise duties.