A NATIONAL newspaper recently issued the following advice to cross-channel shoppers.

Correctly, it reported that: "You may not import even one cigarette or a miniature of malt whisky if you intend to sell it. If you can prove it is for your consumption, which includes giving it to family and friends, you can import one kilo of tobacco, 800 cigarettes, 100 litres of beer, 10 litres of spirits, 20 bottles of fortified wines, and 90 bottles of other wine of which no more than 60 can be sparkling".

Wrongly, it also claimed that: "Bring in more and it will be confiscated as will the mode of carriage".

This information, which was allegedly provided by a Customs' official, was subsequently repeated by ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) on its website and so another myth gained ground.

The reality, as the paper acknowledged last week, is that: "Customs and Excise says there are no limits on the amount of tobacco and alcohol that can be brought into the UK from EU countries as long as it is for personal consumption. But there are guideline levels, and travellers who bring in more than these amounts must be able to satisfy a customs' officer the goods are for personal use only. For example, if you buy a lot of alcohol for consumption at a wedding reception, customs would want to see the venue booking details as proof".

Given the number of people who go on business or take their holidays abroad, it is essential that consumers throughout the country know their rights. It seems that some customs' officials will do anything to deter smokers from legally buying cheap tobacco abroad. Sadly that now includes disinformation. We urge the media to be as vigilant as FOREST and help clear up any confusion.

Simon Clark

Director, FOREST

(Freedom Organisation

for the Right to

Enjoy Smoking Tobacco)

Palace Street

London A NATIONAL newspaper recently issued the following advice to cross-channel shoppers. Correctly, it reported that: "You may not import even one cigarette or a miniature of malt whisky if you intend to sell it. If you can prove it is for your consumption, which includes giving it to family and friends, you can import one kilo of tobacco, 800 cigarettes, 100 litres of beer, 10 litres of spirits, 20 bottles of fortified wines, and 90 bottles of other wine of which no more than 60 can be sparkling".

Wrongly, it also claimed that: "Bring in more and it will be confiscated as will the mode of carriage".

This information, which was allegedly provided by a Customs' official, was subsequently repeated by ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) on its website and so another myth gained ground.

The reality, as the paper acknowledged last week, is that: "Customs and Excise says there are no limits on the amount of tobacco and alcohol that can be brought into the UK from EU countries as long as it is for personal consumption. But there are guideline levels, and travellers who bring in more than these amounts must be able to satisfy a customs' officer the goods are for personal use only. For example, if you buy a lot of alcohol for consumption at a wedding reception, customs would want to see the venue booking details as proof".

Given the number of people who go on business or take their holidays abroad, it is essential that consumers throughout the country know their rights. It seems that some customs' officials will do anything to deter smokers from legally buying cheap tobacco abroad. Sadly that now includes disinformation. We urge the media to be as vigilant as FOREST and help clear up any confusion.

Simon Clark

Director, FOREST

(Freedom Organisation

for the Right to

Enjoy Smoking Tobacco)

Palace Street

London