The European Commission launched, on Wednesday 12 April, a call for evidence on the EU regulatory framework for alcohol excise duty rates.
The rules currently in force in all Member States set minimum rates for alcoholic products in order to avoid distortions of competition within the Single Market. They also support the fight against tax fraud and public health policy.
However, these rules have not been updated since 1992 and have not taken into account inflation, market developments, consumption patterns or growing public health concerns.
The results of this public consultation will feed into a broader assessment of the current framework by the Commission, with a view to identifying issues to be addressed. Businesses, excise and public health authorities and experts, NGOs and sectoral professional organisations are called upon to participate, as well as citizens.
The questions asked relate to the availability, demand and market development for the range of alcoholic products in the Member States, as well as the policy framework and needs, covering both national and European rules.
The Commission’s call for evidence is open until Monday 4 July. For more information: https://aeur.eu/f/189 (Original version in French by Anne Damiani)