Duty-free sales and the Channel Tunnel

16.12.2020

Priority question for written answer  P-006882/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Dominique Riquet (Renew)

On 31 December 2020, the Channel Tunnel will become a cross-border link between a third country and the EU.

Historically, duty-free shops outlets were permitted within the internal market until 1999. At the time, they were located in ports and airports, but also in the Channel Tunnel terminals. While the UK was part of the customs union there was no need for them. However, on 1 January 2021, duty-free sales will resume on board ferries, while the Channel Tunnel will be unable to take advantage of this opportunity, owing to it being a land link and under the terms of Directive 2020/262. Duty-free sales are of significant commercial interest to the Channel Tunnel’s operators.

To avoid distortion of competition between ferry operators and the Channel Tunnel operator, will the Commission interpret and apply Directives 2006/112, 2008/118 and 2020/262 in such a way that duty-free sales are permitted in the Tunnel’s French terminal?