Press Release: Manufactured tobacco: Commission asks France to abolish its strict quantitative limits on private individuals’ tobacco purchases in other Member States

The Commission has asked France to amend, within two months, its legislation and administrative practice regarding the movement and holding of manufactured tobacco purchased by private individuals in other Member States for their own needs. The legislation and practice in question are an obstacle to applying the principle of free movement of goods in the internal market. The request was made in the form of a reasoned opinion, the second stage of infringement proceedings under Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If France does not amend its legislation and practice within the time limit stipulated, the Commission may decide to bring the matter before the Court of Justice.