Haleks seeks zl.50 million from customs office in coal import dispute

The Elblak-based Haleks company, once the biggest importer of coal from Russia, is suing the Central Customs Office (GUC) for zl.50 million. This is the latest development in a long-running legal battle over a case in which 350 wagons carrying Haleks coal were prevented from entering Poland. The company cites as the ground for its claim last year's ruling by the Supreme Administrative Court (NSA) that invalidated the decision of the Biala Podlaska customs, supported by the GUC, to stop the rail wagons entering Poland. The case stems from a decision by the Economy Ministry in January 1999 to impose a quota on coal imports. In its ruling, the NSA says the quota was not in force at the time when the Haleks coal was prevented from entering Poland. (Rzeczpospolita, p. B2) P.J.