27/06/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission proposed to prorogue the excise system more favourable toward "traditional" rum produced in the four French overseas departments (Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique and Reunion). This decision, if approved by the Council, will allow to postpone from 1 January 2003 until 31 December 2009, the system instituted at the end of 1995 on the basis of Article 299 of the Treaty (specific measures for the ultra-peripheral regions). This decision, which expires at the end of 2002, will enable France to impose an excise duty of up to 50% less on the duty taken for other spirits. Taking into account the limited production by these departments of which most is consumed locally, and the significant price difference between the local markets and that of mainland France (taking into account transport and intermediaries, the same bottle of rum costs three times more in Europe: Ed.), this decision has no impact on competition, notably with the ACP rums.