European Parliament sets a good example on freedom of movement of tourists

1.19.27pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 14th Nov 2006

Today the European Parliament adopted a proposal for a Council directive revising the level of exemption from valued added tax and excise duty of goods imported by persons travelling from third countries.

The report raises the exemption of goods from EUR500 to EUR1000 for air travellers and to EUR 330 for land travellers. It also introduced a new "sea ferry or cruise travellers" concept beside air travellers to ensure long distance sea travellers are not put at a disadvantage.

Commenting the decision, ALDE shadow rapporteur Sharon Bowles (South East Liberal Democrat MEP) said: "As the world's biggest trading bloc the EU should be leading the way. I am pleased that the Parliament has set a good example for the freedom of movement of tourists. The Commission had only applied an inflation uplift on these figures, which have not been updated since 1994, but the Parliament increased this for air travellers and put over 100km cruises on the same footing.

However, we have also ensured that member states with land borders will not be disadvantaged by keeping the rises for land travellers minimal and those Member States that suffer from 'petrol tourism' will be able to take steps to prevent systemic abuse. We have achieved a good balance in this report."

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