The tax exemption on pálinka brewing is under examination by the European Union’s Court of Justice
The Government assures Hungarians those rights that citizens of other EU countries are also entitled to. The European Commission disputes the regulation providing tax-free status for distilling home-made pálinka; in their view the exemption is in breach of EU regulations. In the opinion of the Government, however, the relevant Hungarian legislation is fully in accordance with EU legal requirements.
Without a doubt, based on historical traditions, distilling pálinka has always been a part of Hungarian cultural heritage, and Hungary intends to sustain this tradition just like other EU countries do. That was one of the reasons why the Government liberalized the distilling of home-made pálinka by abolishing the tax on the subcontracted distillation of spirits. By keeping this regulation effective, Hungary wishes only similar rights than those granted to several other EU member countries, among others Austria, Germany, Slovenia or Portugal.
Consequently, the Government does not plan to tighten regulation on home-made pálinka. Hungary is ready to defend its legal standpoint at the European Court of Justice if required.
(Ministry for National Economy)
Related news
Related news
What makes us add the product to the cart – research
The latest joint research by PwC and Publicis Groupe Hungary…
Read more >Energy drinks are now legal: what every shopkeeper should know
New regulations on the sale of energy drinks came into…
Read more >The prices of household and hygiene products can also be tracked in the Price Watch
The online Price Monitoring System operated by the Hungarian Competition…
Read more >