Introduction between member states of simplified customs arrangements in respect of goods carried in travellers' luggage or contained in gift parcels

Recommendation 571 (1969)

Author(s):

Parliamentary Assembly

Origin

Assembly debate on 2 October 1969 (14th Sitting) (see Doc. 2614, report of the Committee on Economic Affairs and Development). Text adopted by the Assembly on 2 October 1969 (14th Sitting).

The Assembly,

1. Recalling its past efforts towards a simplification of frontier formalities, and thanking the Customs Co-operation Council for having investigated the possibilities of a more general adoption of the measures adopted by the European Community in 1962, instituting a standard flat-rate customs duty on goods of a strictly non-commercial nature contained in small parcels sent to private persons or carried in personal luggage ;

2. Having regard to the "Directive" of 12 May 1969 and the decision of 23 July 1969 of the Council of Ministers of the European Community whereby it was decided to accord total exemption of all duties and taxes payable on importation to such goods coming from third countries in those cases where the overall value of the goods is less than 25 dollars, and to impose a standard flat-rate duty of 10% when the value of the goods exceeds 25 dollars but is less than 85 dollars ;

3. Considering that the adoption of such a measure by all the member states of the Council of Europe would not involve any substantial economic or fiscal interests, but would constitute a tangible contribution by the governmental authorities towards streng-thening personal ties between Europeans of all nationalities,

4. Recommends that the Committee of Ministers :

a propose to member states that they take measures similar to those just taken by the European Community ;

b suggest to those member states which for cogent reasons do not feel that they are in a position to introduce such arrangements, that they accept the recommendations of the Customs Co-operation Council, dated 11 June 1968, concerning the application of a flat-rate assessment system to goods carried in personal luggage and the duty-free admission of gifts.