Brussels, 02/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 30 March, László Kovács, EU Commissioner for Taxation and Customs Union, said: '"I am going to make a legislative proposal on tobacco taxation at the end of this year. Recent discussions with business and member states indicate that there is a need for modernisation and simplification". In this connection, the European Commission has launched an online consultation seeking views from stakeholders on the current EU tax legislation on tobacco and possible changes, explains the Commission in a press release.
EU rules on tobacco must guarantee the proper functioning of the internal market, while at the same time being in line with the EU objective to discourage tobacco consumption, explains the Commission in its press release: 'Existing rules should be modernised, be more transparent and simple.' The consultation is of interest to all stakeholders, in particular businesses involved in the manufacturing and distribution of tobacco products, health organisations, government administrations, non governmental organisations and other organisations representing consumers. The Commission will take the views expressed into account in its legislative proposal to be unveiled at the end of the year. Comments are invited by 1 June 2007.
Online consultation:
http: //ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/common/consultations/tax/consultation_paper_tobacco_en.pdf. (ol)