Brussels, 07/07/2004 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has sent a reasoned opinion to the United Kingdom calling on it to amend its policy to combat alcohol and tobacco excise fraud. It considers that confiscating the goods and sometimes the vehicle of those bringing illegal amounts into the country, which is a minor offence, is disproportionate to the crime and hinders the free movement of goods.
Imports of alcohol and tobacco for exclusively private use are authorised in the...