Central Customs Office wants to cut illegal import of alcohol and cigarettes

Central Customs Office (GUC) proposed the Economic Ministry issue a directive aimed at limiting imports of alcohol and cigarettes to Poland by individuals. GUC suggests that only people staying abroad 24 hours should be entitled to the privilege and only upon presenting their passport. Additionally, border region citizens should be forbidden to bring for example a bottle of cheap French cognac upon presenting only identity documents. The regulation is aimed at putting a stop to uncontrolled duty-free flow of alcohol and cigarettes brought across the border several times a day by the so called "ants". If the proposal is accepted by the Ministry, it will come into effect in three months. (Gazeta Wyborcza, page 21)