European Court agrees with Yesmokes

The European Court of Justice on Thursday rejected Italy’s application of higher excise duties on cheaper cigarettes, according to an AGI (Agenzia Giornalistica Italia) news agencystory.

The ruling ends the legal action initiated by the Italian tobacco group Yesmokes, which sells cigarettes in Italy at lower prices than the most popular brands.

Italy has since 2012 imposed on cheaper cigarettes a higher excise duty set at 115 per cent of that levied on the best selling brands.

The Court ruled in favour of the appeal by Yesmokes, saying the increased duty was contrary to European rules.