91997E3844

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3844/97 by Kirsi Piha (PPE) to the Commission (5 December 1997)

Subject: Exceptional authorization granted by the EU to Finland on the import of alcohol

Finland has obtained an exceptional authorization to limit its imports of alcohol from the EU area until the end of 2003, when imports should comply with the standards applying in the rest of the EU. In Finland there is still a fierce political debate about whether it is right that the EU should dictate the quantity of alcohol imported into Finland. The present government, however, has probably committed itself to complying with the agreement it has made with the EU. Does the Commission intend to follow up the measures aimed at dismantling the import restrictions in Finland, and if so, how?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (2 February 1998)

Finland has not in fact obtained a derogation permitting it to limit imports of alcohol from the Community until the end of 2003. Under Council Directive 96/99/EEC of 30 December 1996 amending Directive 92/12/EEC on the general arrangements for products subject to excise duty and on the holding, movement and monitoring of such products ((OJ L 8, 11.1.1997. )), it has, however in common with Denmark and Sweden obtained a derogation regarding alcoholic drinks carried in the baggage of travellers coming from the Community. Under the derogation, once certain allowances are exceeded, Finland may charge excise duty on such goods even though they are destined for the personal use of the traveller concerned.

The Community is not therefore in any sense 'dictating the quantity of alcohol imported into Finland'. Indeed, Finland is free to dispense with the derogation and grant travellers their full rights at any time. As regards the dismantling of the restriction, under the Directive Finland is committed progressively to remove its restrictions before the 2003 deadline, and before 30 June 2000, the Commission must report on the matter to the Council and Parliament.