UK updates list of items travellers can, cannot bring into country

The United Kingdom has updated its customs guidance for travellers, outlining the items visitors can bring into the country duty-free, those that are prohibited, and goods that require special permits before entry.

According to revised UK government guidance released on Thursday, duty-free allowances apply only to goods intended for personal use or as gifts. Any item imported for business or resale must be declared regardless of its value.

Travellers arriving in England, Scotland and Wales from outside the UK are permitted to bring up to 42 litres of beer, up to 18 litres of still wine, and either up to four litres of spirits containing more than 22 per cent alcohol or up to nine litres of alcoholic drinks with an alcohol content of up to 22 per cent, including sparkling wine, port, sherry and cider. The allowance may also be shared between spirits and lower-strength alcoholic drinks.

For tobacco, visitors may carry up to 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, 250 grams of tobacco or 200 heated tobacco sticks.

A combination of these products is also allowed provided it remains within the overall limit.

Travellers may also bring personal goods valued at up to £390 when arriving by most means of transport or up to £270 when arriving by private aircraft or private boat. These goods include clothing, electronics, jewellery, souvenirs and other personal purchases.

The updated guidance states that travellers under the age of 17 are not entitled to duty-free allowances for alcohol or tobacco. Any such items they carry must be declared and may be subject to customs duty and tax.

The UK government also listed items that are prohibited from entering the country.

These include controlled drugs, offensive weapons such as flick knives, pepper spray and CS gas, endangered animal and plant species, rough diamonds, indecent or obscene books, magazines, films and DVDs, and meat and dairy products from most non-EU countries. Border Force officers may seize these items, while offenders risk prosecution.

Certain goods can only be brought into the UK with the appropriate licence or permit. These include firearms, explosives, ammunition, selected food products, certain plants and plant products, some animal products, and goods protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), including exotic leather products, animal furs, some wooden musical instruments, tourist souvenirs made from protected species, certain foods, some beauty products and certain medicines.

The guidance also warns that counterfeit or pirated goods, including fake designer products and unauthorised copies of films or music, may be confiscated.

Travellers importing such items could also face prosecution for violating intellectual property laws.

Travellers must declare any goods that exceed their personal allowance, contain restricted or prohibited items, or are intended for commercial use or resale. Failure to do so may lead to seizure of the goods, fines or prosecution.

The UK government further explained that once a traveller exceeds the allowance in a particular category, customs duty and tax become payable on all goods in that category, not just the amount above the limit.

Travellers can submit customs declarations online up to five days before arrival or declare their goods at the border through the red customs channel or a red-point phone.

Customs officers may inspect luggage and require payment of duties, presentation of permits or surrender of prohibited items before allowing entry.