Customes Allowances

[Goofyish]

I was just looking at the Customes and Excise website checking the allowances and read an interesting rule thst I wasn't aware of:

"If you have travelled from a country that is not in the EU, or through a country that is not in the EU, you must declare the following:

Any goods over the allowances listed that you have bought in a country outside the EU. This includes any duty or tax free goods you bought when leaving the UK, but are bringing back with you."

This means if you buy something from duty free in Gatwick before you fly out, it counts of your allowance if you then bring it back into the country!

 

[Katies Dad]

The allowances are quite low arn`t they? anyone know the amount? Do you find it easy to keep below it, or do you go over.
Anyone been stopped at the UK end and been over?

Just curious, cos I`m sure we will be buying lots, even have the spare holdall packed.

Any info you can help me with will be much appreciated. Only 17 days to go.

 

[Bug Juice II]

I think it is £145 per person.

Customs will probably not look at essentials/consumables that you would have brought if in UK though. Again if luggage lost an allowance will be made.

I really do not think that they are out to catch the casual holidaymaker $50 above the limit, more the person selling stuff in the bars and markets for profit.

Beware buying expensive things like watches, I think you can claim the US tax back. But that makes it tax free rather than tax paid.

If caught, be honest and declare everything. They might let you off, if they have to seach and find then the penalties get hard.

Most UK Customs that I have met have all been very nice and do a good job in stopping a lot of drug shipments etc to this country.

Little known fact.....Customs and Excise have greater powers than the police, they can enter your home without permission, and many other deeds. Customs do not have power of arrest though, for that they need the police to be present.



C

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Last October someone on the boards got very heavily docked by HM Customs for bringing back loads of goodies from Orlando.

Unless you are buying large, specific purchases, £145 allowance PER PERSON is quite manageable when you think about it. However, what lots of people don't take into consideration is even photos purchased in the parks at $20 a go should be included in your allowance

We always "wear" any clothes we have purchased so they are used, but I'm sure Customs would know what was this season's t-shirts, etc

 

[MrsJobba]

Hi

just wondering if anyone knows the amount of booze and perfume you are allowed to have on duty free?

I think its 1 litre per person, but am not sure.

Thanks, not long now !!!

HJ x

 

[Goofyish]

Here's the complete list of allowances from non-EU countries:


200 cigarettes; or
100 cigarillos; or
50 cigars; or
250gms of tobacco
60cc/ml of perfume

2 litres of still table wine
250cc/ml of toilet water

1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs over 22% volume; or
2 litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine or other liqueurs
£145 worth of all other goods including gifts and souvenirs.

 

[Katies Dad]

Hi, can you tell me if kiddies get an allowance, I know they can`t do the ciggies, alcohol or perfume bit, but do they get the gift etc allowance of £145.

Thanks

 

[Goofyish]

This is what it says on the Customs and Excise website:

"People under 17 are not allowed to bring in tobacco and alcohol.

You are entitled to the allowances shown above only if you travel with the goods and do not plan to sell them.

If you bring something in worth more than the limit of £145, you will have to pay charges on the full value, not just on the value above £145.

If you are travelling as a family or group, you cannot pool your individual allowances towards an item worth more than the limit. You will have to pay charges on the full value of the item. "

So I guess the £145 does apply to children as well.