EC propose changes to alcohol import laws
The European Commission has proposed changes which will allow EU citizens to shop for alcohol in other member states, without having to transport it themselves.
Under current legislation, EU citizens are able to personally carry unlimited quantities of alcohol across national borders, providing the alcohol is for personal consumption.
This has given rise to "booze cruises", where citizens from high-tax countries travel to low-tax countries such as France to stock up on alcohol.
Now, under new proposals, drinkers would be able to import alcohol via a third party.
Commission spokesman Jonathon Todd commented: "People in high tax countries will be able to order alcoholic products in low-tax countries and not have to pay any additional tax, besides the tax in the country of origin, so long as they organise the transport of the goods themselves, as opposed to the retailer organising the transport."
