European Commission inspectors have kicked off a fact-finding mission at the Gibraltar/Spain border following concerns about customs checks and smuggling.

The investigation team includes experts from the European Commission services for home affairs, customs union, justice and the European anti-fraud office and will look at the installations and checks carried out at the entry and exit of persons and goods on both sides of the border, as well as issues related to alleged tobacco smuggling. The Commission will then decide if further action is necessary.

Gibraltar has been in the EU since 1973 as part of the UK's membership. EU law is applicable in Gibraltar, but Gibraltar has a unique status as it is excluded from four areas of EU policy: Customs Union, Common Commercial Policy, Common Agriculture Policy, Common Fisheries Policy, and the requirement to levy VAT. As a result, Spain is responsible for carrying out checks on people and goods which fully respect EU law and are proportionate.