4 days ago
Brits could be fined THOUSANDS if they don't follow little-known duty free rules for cigarettes, booze & perfume
BRITS could be fined thousands if they fail to follow these little known rules at border control.
Holidaymakers could also see their items seized upon re-entering the UK, if they fail to meet border control's high standards.
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The laws are designed to protect the UK economy, as well as out natural environment.
To make it easy for travellers, the Government and British border forces are clear about how much of each product you can bring in.
Importing alcohol to Britain
Bringing alcohol into the UK is legal, but there are strict limits on how much alcohol you can take with you through customs.
You can bring a total of 4 litres of a spirit over 22 per cent ABV (alcohol by volume) or 9 litres of an alcohol under 22 per cent ABV.
However, you cannot bring both quantities.
If you have a variety of alcoholic products with you, then they must total the same amount listed above.
For example, 4.5 litres of cider (a drink under 22 per cent ABV) and 2 litres of a spirit above 22 per cent ABV would be allowed into Britain.
This is because each quantity is equivalent to 50 per cent of the legal amount.
Meanwhile, 4 litres of a spirit and 9 litres of cider would be double the amount which you can import.
Failing to follow customs law could see you being handed a £2,500 fine per contravention.
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If the amount of imported alcohol is exceptionally high or you are a repeat offender, you could be slapped with a prison sentence.
The length of the sentence could vary greatly, depending on your crime.
There are strict limits on tobacco products too
UK law allows you to bring a maximum 200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars of 250g of tobacco (including shisha) OR 200 sticks of tobacco for heating to Britain.
Like alcohol, you must combine these allowances.
That would mean you could bring 100 cigarettes and 25 cigars, for example, as each is at 50 per cent of the total allowed in.
Tobacco products, like alcohol, can only be brought into the country by someone over the age of 17.
Also, tobacco and alcohol quantities are counted as entirely separate so you don't get a larger quantity of one by taking none of the other.
Luxury goods at the border
Luxury goods, including perfume or electrical items, can often be imported into the UK without paying duty or tax.
However, if the sum total of the items exceeds £390, you will have to pay tax on every item - not just the ones which push you over the limit.
For people arriving by private plane or boat for leisure, the allowance is £270.
Meat, milk and plants are banned
The importation of meat, honey and dairy is strictly prohibited.
The only exception to this rule is to infant milk or medical food, though both amounts cannot exceed 2kg.
Failing to follow these rules could see you being slapped with a staggering £5000 fine.
EU arrivals are the only group allowed to take high-priority plants into the country, though they will need to apply beforehand for a phytosanitary certificate.
Restrictions on cash
Cash up to a total of £10,000 can be brought into Britain, though this must be declared 72 hours in advance of your arrival.
Declarations on all products listed here must be made, even if you are just transferring flight.
Failing to declare something could result in you receiving a criminal sentence.
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