Customs Clearance
There will be no further duty payable on goods brought into the UK from EC countries provided you do not exceed the allowances. The allowances are different for goods obtained within the European Community and for those obtained anywhere outside the European Community.
European Community Countries:
| Austria | France | Luxembourg | Spain |
| Belgium | Germany | Malta | Sweden |
| Bulgaria | Greece | Netherlands | United Kingdom |
| Cyprus | Hungary | Poland | |
| Czech Republic | Ireland | Portugal | |
| Denmark | Italy | Romania | |
| Estonia | Latvia | Slovakia | |
| Finland | Lithuania | Slovenia |
The Canary Islands and the Channel Islands are not part of the EC. Although Gibraltar is part of the EU, it is outside the Community Customs territory. As a result the customs allowances for outside the EU apply.
Goods Obtained Within The European Community
There is a limit on the amount of goods you can buy from a duty-free or tax-free shop. Such goods are bought free of any purchase tax.
There is no limit on the amount of goods you are allowed to bring with you into the UK, provided they were not bought in a duty-free or tax free shop, and they are for personal use eg. for a private party (or are gifts) and you do not sell them or are being paid to buy the goods. However there are guideline levels and duty / VAT applied for all commercial imports.
Please contact HM customs and excise for all duty, tax and tariff codes or visit their website.
HM Customs & Excise National Advice Service
TEL: 0845 010 9000
ADDRESS: 161 Hammersmith Rd, W6 8BL.
Ask for the Customs Allowances section, who will be able to give you advice on the current customs allowances.
