EU inbound travellers allowances to double in 2008

Gavin Lipsith

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The changes to travellers allowances for passengers entering the EU will take over a year to be implemented, say industry lobbyists

New allowances for travellers entering the European Union will not be put into effect until 2008 at the earliest, according to industry campaigners. The EU’s EcoFin Council agreed to double the allowances on November 28, but lobbyists say that Customs changes required will take over a year to be made.

European Travel Retail Council secretary general Keith Spinks said: “The reason for the delay is the requirement to update the regulation that set up the EU customs regime and establishes the system of relief from customs import duty (separate from EU excise duties and VAT). This regulation details the limits for goods contained in travellers’ personal luggage that are exempt from import duties and will need to be updated following the decision taken by the EcoFin Council. This is necessary to ensure that the directive and the regulation are entirely compatible.”

However, Spinks said that sources close to the process have reported that the revision to the customs regulation is only at the preparatory stage and that the European Commission will present a new proposal amending the regulation in January 2007.

He continued: “Although the amendments to the travellers allowances directive required unanimity in Council, changes to the regulation will be adopted under the co-decision procedure with the European Parliament and agreed in Council under qualified majority. It is suggested that the changes to the customs regulation will only be agreed by the end of 2007.”