SWEDEN: Systembolaget looks set to win import case
By just-drinks.com editorial team | 1 December 2006
Systembolaget has won the first round in its fight to maintain its right to ban individuals from having alcohol brought into Sweden from other EU nations.
This week a European Court of Justice adviser agreed with the state-run alcohol retail monopoly that it could confiscate alcohol imports into Sweden if the products were not transported into the country by the individual purchaser.
In most cases the ECJ follows the opinions of its advisors.
The case came about after a Swedish resident bought Spanish wine, using a Danish website. Systembolaget confiscated the wine.
The Swede took his case to Sweden's Supreme Court, which asked the EU's Court of Justice to rule on whether the ban was justified.
In his conclusions, Court Advocate General Paolo Mengozzi said national courts had to decide on a case-by-case basis whether individuals can import alcohol from other countries if national alcohol monopolies are in place.
Sectors: Beer & cider, Spirits, Wine
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There is currently 1 comment on this article
No matter what your opinion on the state monopoly and the way it serves its suppliers and customers may be, the confiscatory power of alcohol, judged to illegaly enter Sweden, is not in the hands of Systembolaget but is like in most other countries dealt with within the normal legal system by customs and courts.
Ake said at 9:49 am, December 2, 2006
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