– The European Court of Justice ruled against free movement of goods in a case brought by a Dutch wine buyer. He had bought wine in France (with low wine taxes) and had them transported by lorry to Holland. The Dutch authorities had slammed Dutch (higher) taxes on the wine. The EU court ruled that the unfortunate Dutch consumer indeed had to pay the Dutch taxes. So, unless you transport the wine yourself you will most likely have to pay the taxes in the country of destination. (Doesn’t it work in a different way for e.g. cars?) Importers, trade and governments seemed to be relieved in the UK and in Sweden where consumers were looking forward to buying cheaper wines from abroad. IHT.com
