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24 Oct 2000, Belgium

Hi

I am investigating the possibility of sending wine & beer - as gifts - to individuals in Europe. Shipping would take place centrally out of Belgium.

Is this allowed? What are the requirements?

Thanks,

Benny

Dear Benny:

I put your question to legal eagle Corinna Schulze, who replies:

"First of all you speak of Europe as a whole and not only of the EU. This means it includes e.g. Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Lichtensetein (and so EFTA ) as well. In these countries you don't have an internal market and must of course respect restrictions. You can bring alcohol as an individual but only to a certain limit (e.g. one bottle of strong alcohol). For sending alcohol you also have to respect certain rules which differ from country to country.

Even in the internal market (so in the EU) you have to be aware of
restrictions. Most scandinavian countries still have a monopoly on the production/sale of alcohol and you need a licence to import it if you exceed a set limit. This is because there is a transition period before there is true open competition.

The conclusion is that you have to check the situation for each country within and outside the internal market to find out what special restrictions and procedures there are and what kind of agreements exist, especially concerning the quantity of alcohol you want to send."

Good Luck,

Dr. Ecommerce