A student from the Sorbonne will have overcome the doctrine of the French State regarding the importation of cigarettes by individuals. A ruling from the Council of State invalidated on September 29 the French rule in force since 2020, which limited the quantity of cigarettes that it was possible to bring back from abroad (within the country) to a single cartridge per person. the European Union). The Council of State considered that this limitation was not in compliance with community rules and gave the State six months to rectify the situation.
The decree specifying the new rule in force was published on Friday. It no longer provides for quantitative limitations. However, the French will not be able to import tobacco in unlimited quantities, assures the Ministry of Public Accounts.
“
Nothing is more false than to say that we are going to open the borders
”
to the importation of cigarettes, his office explained on Friday.
“
We are only changing our logic. Customs officers will now be able to rely on a body of evidence to sanction
those
who are presumed to be trading in imported cigarettes, rather than just on the quantity that crosses the border.
Consulted beforehand by the ministry, the Confederation of tobacconists says it is “reassured” by the new rule.
“
This decree is even more coercive than the rule in force previously
,” believes Philippe Coy, president of the tobacconists.
It is likely to stem light everyday traffic.
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A person who brings back a cartridge on which the name of the recipient is written would, for example, fall under the scope of the decree, as will another who brings back two cartridges of different brands.
“
A smoker usually always smokes the same brand
,” emphasizes Philippe Coy.