FRANCE. The French government yesterday agreed to authorise the return of duty free sales at Eurotunnel’s Coquelles terminal, where a duty paid store is currently operated by Dufry company World Duty Free.
The move mirrors duty free arrangements in place to serve the ferry business, with stores in the ports at Calais and Dunkirk. Eurotunnel operator Getlink has been pushing the government to agree the return of duty free sales via its terminal on the French side since the UK left the EU after a transition period on 1 January.
The necessary legislation will be discussed today and be processed as an amendment to a new finance bill.
In a statement, French Minister of Public Accounts Olivier Dussopt and Secretary of State for European Affairs Clément Beaune said the move “will make it possible to align the rules applicable to the Channel Tunnel with those provided for in airports and seaports for journeys to a third country to the European Union”.
Getlink said in a statement: “Eurotunnel is pleased that the French government has agreed to authorise the return of duty free sales in its French terminal. A quality process, led by the authorities, has restored a balanced and fair competition between the cross-Channel carriers. With the anticipated progressive return of passenger travel, duty free opens the way to higher traffic levels that will support the local economy.”
Getlink CEO Yann Leriche said: “I want to thank the French government for reinstating the balance of treatment that will enable fair competition between cross-Channel carriers. As our employees, local stakeholders and elected representatives know, understanding the issue, duty free will be beneficial for our jobs and for the whole region.”
Contacted by The Moodie Davitt Report, Dufry said it would be assessing the decision in detail before commenting further.
The European Travel Retail Confederation (ETRC) welcomed the announcement. President Nigel Keal said: “ETRC is delighted that the French government have today finally clarified the situation and will allow duty free sales. We are particularly pleased that this decision has been taken as France starts to open up again and summer tourism and travel between the UK and France kicks off.” More reaction here.
