The European Commission has decided to refer Belgium to the EU Court of Justice for failing to bring its legislation into line with EU rules on Customs opening hours and administrative fees.
Not only do Belgian customs offices have limited opening hours, but they also charge operators an additional fee for overtime work. Moreover, even within normal opening hours, an extra fee is charged for validating, invalidating and discharging declarations, and for handling requests for repayment. The Commission considers that theses Belgian rules are in violation of European Customs rules. A Reasoned Opinion was sent to Belgium on this matter in May 2011, but in the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission has decided now to refer the case to the EU's Court of Justice.
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