Commission investigates Spanish treatment of British cigarette shoppers

Date: 13/02/03

FRITS Bolkestein is examining claims that Spanish customs officials are harassing tourists returning to the UK laden with cheap cigarettes.

The move follows proceedings by the European Commission against Britain for alleged heavy-handed treatment of cross-Channel shoppers returning from France with large quantities of cigarettes, wine and beer.

These cost less in France due to its much lower excise duties.

Bolkestein said the Spanish may be in breach of EU rules on free movement of goods, which allow travellers to stock up on cigarettes and alcohol, provided they are for their own consumption.

UK MEP Bill Newton Dunn complained that two of his constituents were forced to hand back 32 ten-pack cartons of cigarettes at Malaga airport; officials told them there was a four-carton limit. The couple were also fined €600 by the Spanish authorities.

The EU's rules on import and export of tobacco and alcoholic drinks include guidelines to help member states determine whether people are buying goods for their own use or for resale.

These suggest a limit of four cartons of cigarettes - the limit cited by Spanish customs. However, the guidelines state individual circumstances must be taken into account. For example, heavy smokers or people buying more goods for a wedding or party should be given extra leeway.

Frits Bolkestein is examining claims that Spanish customs officials are harassing tourists returning to the UK with large quantities of cheap cigarettes.