Another row brewing over customs laws
The British government is reportedly facing a legal challenge from Brussels unless customs officers stop being “over-zealous” in their treatment of travellers.
As reported by News From Abroad, there has been an ongoing disagreement between the EC and the Government over the amount of alcohol and tobacco that can legally be brought back into the UK.
Current EU rules state that there are no limits as long as whatever is imported is for personal consumption and, according to The Times, is now saying that travellers who import alcohol and tobacco for friends and family should not be penalised – as long as they do not make a profit from their activities.
British customs officers have been accused of being over-zealous, confiscating goods and even impounding vehicles if they believe the amounts imported are not for personal use.
The Times quotes Fritz Bolkestein, Taxation Commissioner, as saying: “The UK sanctions, which are based on the seizure of goods, and sometimes cars, quite often go too far and interfere with people exercising the right given to them by the EU internal market to go shopping in other states. This is obviously not acceptable.”
The newspaper states that the British government will defend its policy, claiming that its actions have been “proportionate”.
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Global tourism exceeds 1.5 billion travelers announces UN-Tourism
Qatar Airways offers reduced timetable to over 60 destinations
WTTC global tourism reached record economic impact of 11 trillion in 2025
Marginal increase for New York City tourism in 2025
Hands In, UATP join forces for airline multi-card payments