CJEU: a decision on legal certainty

Late payment of taxes, including import taxes recalculated as a result of discrepancies detected by customs after clearance, is subject to late payment penalties and interest. The sums can be huge, especially considering that tax reassessments can be made for three years or even longer (for example, if the dispute is in court). For an idea of how long this period can be, see the relevant Court of Justice of the EU judgement. Moreover, it is a significant Court's decision impacting the landscape of Value Added Tax (VAT) and customs law within the EU. This article delves into the Court's findings, emphasizing the principles of legal certainty and effectiveness in EU law, and exploring its implications for VAT legislation and practices.