Press Release: Customs: Commission refers Belgium to Court over customs offices’ opening hours and fees

On 20 November 2013 the European Commission decided to refer Belgium to the EU Court of Justice for failing to bring its legislation into line with EU rules on Customs opening hours and administrative fees. Not only do Belgian customs offices have limited opening hours, but they also charge operators an additional fee for overtime work. Moreover, even within normal opening hours, an extra fee is charged for validating, invalidating and discharging declarations, and for handling requests for repayment.