European Commission v. Republic of France

The European Commission brought an action against France, claiming that its legislation setting a minimum retail selling price for tobacco products violated a European directive regulating excise duties on tobacco products. The Court ruled in the Commission's favor, holding that the minimum price undermined fair competition in the tobacco market and thus violated the EU directive. The Court also noted that public health goals furthering the legislation could be achieved by increasing the excise duty on tobacco.

European Commission v. French Republic, C-197/08, Court of Justice of the European Union (2010).

  • European Union
  • Apr 4, 2010
  • Court of Justice of the European Union

Parties

Plaintiff / Petitioner / Applicant / Appellant

  • European Commission

Defendant / Respondent / Appellee

  • French Republic

Legislation Cited

General Tax Code (Code général des impôts)

Decree No. 2004-975 of 13 September 2004

Code of Public Health (Code de la santé publique)

International/Regional Instruments Cited

Related Documents

Type of Litigation

Tobacco Control Topics

Substantive Issues

Type of Tobacco Product

None