-CUSTOMS AND EXCISE: European Court of Justice judgement in Goodwin & Unstead -- counterfeit goods

0 Comments | M2 Presswire, July, 1998

M2 PRESSWIRE-9 July 1998-CUSTOMS AND EXCISE: European Court of Justice judgement in Goodwin & Unstead -- sale of counterfeit goods (C)1994-98 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD RDATE:080798 The European Court of Justice released its judgement in the case of Goodwin & Unstead on 28 May 1998. The Court ruled that VAT is due on sales of counterfeit perfume.

In reaching this conclusion the Court distinguished between supplies which are illegal because of their nature e.g. certain prohibited drugs, and illicit supplies which are normally available in the market place, such as counterfeit designer clothes or perfume. This decision confirms that Customs' existing policy is correct and helps to prevent distortion of competition to the disadvantage of law-abiding businesses. Website:...