EU starts proceedings against Britain over customs fraud

The request, one of a number of European Union “infringement procedures” against EU countries announced on Thursday, said Britain had failed to address the scam between 2011 and 2017, even though it had been warned of the risks of fraud in 2007.

The letter of formal notice sent to Britain is the first in a series of steps that can result in countries being taken to the European Court of Justice.

“Importers in the United Kingdom evaded a large amount of customs duties by using fictitious and false invoices and incorrect customs value declarations at importation,” the Commission said in a statement.

Britain’s permanent representation to the European Union in Brussels said it had no immediate comment on the matter.

The dispute over duties comes on top of already difficult talks with the EU over Britain’s decision to leave the bloc following its 2016 referendum.

Under EU rules, Brussels can claim a share of taxes on imported goods raised by EU countries. The proceeds go directly into the EU budget.

EU anti-fraud office OLAF had said last year that Britain should pay because it allowed the scam to go ahead.