Reliefs from duty: beer imports into Finland, temporary derogation (amend. Regulation (EEC) No 918/83)

In its first reading, the European Parliament adopted the resolution drafted by Astrid LULLING (EPP/ED, Luxembourg) amending the proposal on a temporary derogation for duty free imports of beer into Finland. Whilst no substantial amendments were made to the proposal, an addition to the recitals stated that Finland has fiscal sovereignty to apply excise taxes at a level it deems most appropriate. Whilst the provisions of this proposal do not affect that status, Finland may decide that a reduction of excise differentials with other Member States could help prevent an otherwise likely increase in cross-border shopping levels as the current restrictions on intra-EU personal imports are eased.�