By MEP Terry Wynn MANY people will be travelling into Europe on holiday this summer and Terry Wynn's postbag bulges with queries from people who are confused as to the amount of duty-paid goods they can bring back to the UK.

"In June 1999, duty free was abolished, which means you can now buy goods which include VAT and duty," said Terry Wynn. "However, there are guidance levels which have been introduced by Customs and Excise, and if you exceed these levels, you may be asked to prove these goods are for your own use. If you cannot, customs may seize them.

"In some cases, when travelling by car, the vehicle can also be seized, as has happened recently to two constituents," he said.

Guidance levels are 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, 1kg smoking tobacco, 10 litres of spirits, 20 litres of fortified wine (such as port or sherry), 90 litres of wine (of which not more than 60 litres can be sparkling wine) and 110 litres of beer.

Mr Wynn said: "Customs and excise are being very vigilant in an endeavour to cut down on the illegal sale of tobacco and alcohol."

If you would like a copy of the leaflet A Customs guide for travellers entering the UK, contact Mr Wynn's UK office on 01744 451609, by post to Terry Wynn MEP, Lakeside, Alexandra Park, Prescot Road, St, Helens WA10 3TT, or by email on terry_wynn.labour@virgin.net