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:ustoms does its duty

16th May 2002, Page 5
16th May 2002
Page 5
Page 5, 16th May 2002 — :ustoms does its duty
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Customs & Excise has been forced to rethink its ntroversial policy of seizing cross-Channel trucks ose drivers they suspect of buying cigarettes and iohol that are not for personal consumption. In recent months Customs officers have been izing vehicles, including a number of tractors, that suspected were being used to import cigattes and alcohol bought on the Continent for memrs of the driver's family.

This policy led to several cases of tourists and Jck operators losing their vehicles to zealous istoms officers. However, Customs has now backicked slightly in the face of criticism from the )urt Of Appeal.

Although he Lindsay ruling', as it now known, idicated Customs' policy to seize and not restore !hides used to smuggle goods for profit, it said that istoms should consider a range of lesser sanctions "where permanent forfeiture of the vehicle may not be justified". It recommended that Customs introduce a 'not-for-profit sanction to deal with cases where officers believe the goods were bought for friends and family with no intention of making a profit.

AND EXCISE

• IMMI■11

As a result Customs has been forced to revise its vehicle seizure policy. Vehicles will still be seized, but depending on individual circumstances they will be restored on payment of a fee.

Truck drivers suspected of importing goods for others on a non-profit basis will have their vehicle restored upon payment of the relevant duty and given a warning letter. For a second offence the fine will rise to twice the revenue evaded duty and another letter will be issued, warning that a further breach of the Personal Relief Order will render the vehicle liable to seizure and non-restoration if the driver is caught again within 12 months.

The Customs and Excise website gives legal guidelines for what are considered "reasonable" amounts for personal use (including gifts). Within the EU these are 800 cigarettes, lkg of tobacco, 90 litres of wine and 110 litres of beer. Outside the EU levels are substantially lower, such as 250 cigarettes or two lees of wine.

• This relaxation does not apply to trucks used to import goods for resale at a profit. They still face immediate confiscation—and they will not be returned.

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Organisations: European Union

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