Changes are to be made to the Postal Services Act 2000.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is to get new powers to intercept parcels and open them without seeking the addressee's permission.

The Budget announced by the chancellor Alistair Darling revealed that changes are to be made to the Postal Services Act 2000 to give HMRC officers the authority to search people's parcels in a bid to tackle tobacco smuggling.

At present, Royal Mail staff have the power to intercept parcels they believe to be suspect and pass these to agents who will then keep it and contact the recipient to discuss the matter.

"Currently HMRC have to notify the addressee and invite them to attend before such packets can be opened. This requirement will be removed," the agency revealed.

A Treasury spokesman told the Daily Telegraph that while the change in the law is aimed at stopping tobacco smuggling, the HMRC will have the authority to extend it to other restricted and prohibited goods.

Posted by Mark Moore

Article Added: 26/03/2010 09:30:22