Duty Free Shopping
When traveling abroad it is always nice to do some duty free shopping whilst in the airport or transit point. Not having to pay duty or local country taxes can greatly reduce the overall cost of shopping while on holiday. Unfortunately, not all duty free shopping items are permitted in the same amounts in each EU country that you may visit while on holiday. Tobacco and alcohol products are particularly well monitored. Paying attention to each country’s duty free shopping regulations, whether they happen to be all or partly considered European Union members, is important.
UK duty free shopping within EU-tobacco products
The UK government considers tobacco products very seriously. Duty free shopping for tobacco products will likely incur further inspection is you pass a threshold of 3200 cigarettes, 200 cigars, 400 cigarillos or 3 kg tobacco. A person is required to be 18 years of age or older to purchase tobacco products in the UK. Duty free shopping rules differ from country to country so checking with each country you visit is a wise idea.
UK duty free shopping within EU- alcohol
Alcohol is one of the more popular duty free shopping items in almost all the world’s airports and transit points. It is also one of the most closely monitored duty free shopping items. When travelling to and from the UK, you will likely face further scrutiny if you are in possession of: 110 litres of beer, 90 litres of wine, 10 litres of spirits or 20 litres of fortified wine, such as Sherry.
UK duty free shopping and the European Union
For the most part, duty free shopping within the European Union is fairly uniform. There are subtle differences depending upon what and how much is moved from here to there but, generally, the amounts and purpose/use requirements are close to the same. From a UK perspective, however, there are a few country considerations to take into account. Gibraltar is not considered a part of the European Union when determining duty free shopping rules. Cypress holds the same distinction unless the purchase is under the control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. The Canary and Channel Islands also are considered outside of the European Union when duty free shopping regulations are considered.
Traveling from outside the EU to the UK
If traveling to the UK from outside the EU, duty regulations permit substantially less amounts of product to enter the country without duty. This would include a £145 ceiling of any total purchases.
Taking care
The general rule of thumb when considering your duty free shopping excursions is to take care in what you buy and how you carry it. If you are passing through the UK on your way to a final destination you do not need to declare an item as long as it remains in your checked bags and does not leave the designated control area.
If you are entering the UK by a means other than air, keeping track of your baggage as you travel is another idea to keep in mind. In some instances, items may be added or taken from your luggage, without your knowledge, so that you are charged with having possession at the time of entry. The most important item to remember is that HM Customs is available at any point in your travels to help with questions. At most entry points there are “red lanes” and phones if you have questions. Use them if need be, it will ultimately save you time.