HL Deb 09 March 2000 vol 610 cc158-9WA
Lord Shore of Stepney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When agreement was reached on the tax free limits of importing tobacco and alcohol products from the member states of the European Union; what were those quantified limits; what is the legal base for their observance; and what action the Government intend to take to reduce these limits. [HL1269]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

The original agreement setting limits on the amounts of duty free tobacco and alcohol an individual can import from another EU member state was set by the EU Commission in Council Directive 69/169/EEC of 28 May 1969. This directive together with subsequent amendments have all been enacted into UK legislation.

Until 31 December 1992, the quantified limits were:

  • 200 cigarettes; or 100 cigarillos; or 50 cigars; or 250 gm of tobacco;
  • 2 litres of still table wine;
  • 1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs over 22 per cent volume; or 2 litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine or other liqueurs;
  • 60cc./ml of perfume;
  • 250cc./ml of toilet water; and
    • WA 159
  • £36 worth of all other goods including gifts and souvenirs.

Since the implementation of the Single Market on 1 January 1993, there has been no restriction in the quantity/value of goods travellers may import into the UK from another member state, provided they are not for a commercial purpose.