CUSTOMS & EXCISE - VICTORY

Cross-Channel shoppers are to be allowed to bring more cheap cigarettes into the country. Economic Secretary John Healey, the minister responsible for Customs and Excise, said the "indicative levels" for travellers bringing cigarettes into the country for their own use are to be raised from 800 to 3,200 per person. The new rules now mean a 20-a-day smoker can import a near six month supply. As well as changes to the cigarette allowance, the indicative level of hand rolled tobacco allowed will rise from 1kg to 3kg. The move, announced in a Commons written answer, follows recent criticism of the Customs' tactics in clamping down on travellers suspected of trying to evade tobacco duty by bringing in cigarettes to sell on the black market.

Mr Healey also said new regulations would abolish the burden of proof on individuals to show that that goods brought in were for their personal use and require Customs to show that they were intended to be sold. He also announced a further crackdown on large-scale and repeat offenders while The Treasury, in conjunction with the Lord Chancellor's Department, is to review the current appeals procedure and simplify it. The minister said, "The measures I am announcing today will help make the distinction between smugglers and honest shoppers even clearer. They make clear that Customs activity is legal and fair but tough on those who attempt to smuggle."

He added large scale offenders would continue to remain liable to have their vehicles seized and confiscated - although smaller scale offenders would be able to get their vehicles returned if they pay the duty due. Treasury officials denied that the measures were in response to recent criticisms of Customs' tactics, insisting they were part of a long-term strategy, but acknowledged that they would make the system more "proportionate".

Customs kept up their fight for the right to continue bullying innocent booze cruisers. They went to the High Court in a bid to reverse a ruling by senior judges that stopped them picking on cross-Channel shoppers and seizing their goods and vehicles. HM Customs’ legal bid, estimated to cost more than £500,000, went ahead despite Chancellor Gordon Brown saying that travellers should not be treated like criminals.

How to fight back if you are accused of an offence

Pay for everything by credit or debit card. Cash suggests you have been spending someone else’s money.

Leave all goods on show, for example on the back seat, in case they think you’re hiding something.

Keep receipts showing you’ve paid duty on the Continent rather than using the black market.

Don’t get angry or sarcastic. Officers won’t like being told how to do their job.

Never buy on someone else’s behalf, selling anything on is illegal.

If you are searched and accused of an offence by Customs you should ask for the names, ranks and numbers of all officers who dealt with you. It is easier to dispute accounts if you can put names to quotes.

Immediately ask to see the officer or manager in charge if you have a complaint. Delaying suggests you invented the complaint later.

Make sure you have been given seizure form C156. This explains your rights and how to appeal.

Your appeal, in writing, should be sent within 30 days to the address given on form C156. You could also hire a solicitor, but you will only get the cost of this back if you win the case.

Assuming Customs reject your appeal, the case will go to a magistrates’ court. The magistrates can order your goods and vehicle to be condemned or returned to you.

Both sides can appeal to a Crown Court against this decision.

If you win, Customs will offer you compensation. You must hire a solicitor as their valuation of your vehicle, which will probably have been scrapped or auctioned, is unlikely to match yours.