EU cross-border allowances under fire

Tina Milton

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Members of the European Parliament have voted to end cross-border recommended allowances on liquor

The European Parliament has voted in favour of abolishing Customs guidelines on the amount of liquor and tobacco that can be carried over the European Union's internal borders. The move has no legal stature but increases the pressure to put an end to the advisory limits on the amount of beer, wine and spirits. The current regulations have been enforced particularly vigorously by UK and Spanish Customs officials.

UK Customs staff can currently confiscate purchases if they think the amount is more than can be justified for personal use. The European Commission has suggested scrapping the guideline limits on personal imports of liquor, while keeping them for tobacco on health grounds. Several MEPs asked for their opinion as part of the Commission's formal consultation process said the limits are not binding, hard to enforce and should be therefore removed.

EU guidelines followed by Customs staff dictate that 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 90l of wine (including a maximum of 60l of sparkling wine) and 110l of beer are the limits for personal use, although national authorities should consider individual circumstances when carrying out checks, for example, if liquor has been purchased for a wedding or a big party.