Brussels, 03/08/2000 (Agence Europe) - Decisions relating to the new import scheme for beer in Finland were published in the Official Journal L 193 of 29 July 2000. EUROPE recalls that when Finland joined the EU it secured the right to retain its very strict system over beer imports, and, notably the ability to impose a quantitative limit of fifteen litres for duty free beer from other Member States. The Finnish measures are aimed at protecting local retailers by offering them a a period of adaptation and to combat an increase in alcohol consumption. Through a derogation to the relevant 1969 directive, Finland is authorised, until 31 December 2005, to apply a quantitative limit of no less than six litres on beer imports from third countries. As for imports from the EU, it will have to gradually increase the limits (24 litres, then32 litres from 1 January 2001, then 64 litres from 1 January 2003) before reaching a total abolition of quotas for beer from other Member States on 31 December 2003.