• Only a quarter (27 per cent) of Brits are aware of the limits of what can be imported from abroad when returning from vacation
• One in 14 (7 per cent) Brits who have travelled outside the EU in the last 12 months has walked through the ‘nothing to declare’ channel despite owing duty on goods purchased abroad 
   

New research1 from Direct Line Travel Insurance reveals British holidaymakers are unaware of the amount of alcohol and cigarettes they can bring into the UK.  Only a quarter (27 per cent) of Brits claims to know what they can bring back into the UK when returning from holiday.  Travellers returning from outside the EU have an allowance of just 200 cigarettes and 1 litre of spirits2 and any tobacco or alcohol products over the allowance that are not declared can be seized. 

There is also a common myth that there is a limit on the amount of tobacco and alcohol that can be brought back by holidaymakers returning from countries within the EU.  More than a third3 (38 per cent) of Brits claimed to be aware of a limit for importing alcohol and tobacco from other EU countries.  In actual fact, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has no limits on the amount of alcohol and tobacco that can be brought in by holidaymakers returning from EU countries, though the goods should be for personal consumption or gifts.  Holidaymakers are more likely to be asked questions by customs officers if attempting to bring more than 800 cigarettes or more than 10 litres of spirits into the UK.  

The research also reveals that one in fourteen (7 per cent) Brits who have travelled outside of the EU in the last 12 months and have returned with goods worth over £390 have avoided paying customs duty owed by walking through the ‘nothing to declare’ channel.  Brits importing goods worth over £390 (or up to £270 if they arrive by private plane or boat) need to pay customs duty of 2.5 per cent up to £630.  If they bring in a single item with a value of over £390, such as a Rolex watch or iPhone 6, they must pay duty on its full value.  Just 5 per cent of Brits who have holidayed outside the EU in the last 12 months and bought goods worth over £390 declared the amount when going through customs.   

Tom Bishop, head of travel insurance at Direct Line, commented: “It is always tempting to buy items that seem like a bargain whilst on holiday. However, Brits could find themselves hit with unexpected charges if they don’t check what they are allowed to bring back into the country.  The limits and value of items that can be imported varies significantly between countries inside and outside the EU, so holidaymakers should be advised to check the limits before purchasing goods.  The holiday glow is going to vanish quickly if an officer pulls you up for unpaid customs duties.”         
 
 ENDS 

Notes to editors:

1 Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 2002 UK adults aged 18+ from 19th to 22nd of June 2015. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria.

2 Travellers are allowed to split their allowance for other types of tobacco or alcohol products https://www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods/arrivals-from-outside-the-eu

3 The question asked respondents:  To what extent are you aware, if at all, of the volumes of cigarettes and alcohol you are allowed to bring into the UK when returning from travelling abroad?

For further information, please contact: 

Timi Merriman-Johnson
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Tel: 020 7282 2989
E-mail:  [email protected]

Chloe French
Direct Line Group
Media Relations Executive
Tel: 01651 831 715
Email: [email protected]

Direct Line
Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line. 

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com
 

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