Press Release: Cross-border shopping: Commission decides to close the case against the UK over seizures of tobacco and cars

The European Commission on 28 June 2006 decided to close the case against the United Kingdom over its application of EU law relating to excise duties on tobacco and alcohol. The Commission considered that the changes made by the UK authorities in its policies and practices in relation to the importation of excise goods from other Member States were in line with the changes requested in the Commission's reasoned opinion. This latest Commission action followed on earlier letters, a formal request to the UK to change its law and a referral to the Court of Justice (see IP/01/1482, IP/02/1320, IP/03/1539, IP/04/867 and IP/04/1255 ).