General Information » Entering Uk » Customs

Like other EU nations, the UK has two customs systems; one for goods bought in another EU country, where taxes and duties have already been paid, and one for goods bought in the rest of the world. There is no limit to the amount of goods you bring to the UK from the EU – you won’t be required to pay tax, as long as tax was included in the original price and the goods are for personal use. If a customs officer has any reason to suspect that goods have been bought for commercial purpose, he or she is likely to ask questions. This can result in goods being seized and, if you are found to be selling unlicensed alcohol or tobacco, it could result in up to seven years in prison. From elsewhere in the world, there are limits to the amount of duty-free products you can bring with you. Unlicensed drugs, offensive weapons, indecent and obscene material featuring children, counterfeit and pirated goods, meat, dairy and other animal products are prohibited from being brought into the UK from any destinations. Firearms, explosives and ammunition, pornography, live animals, certain plants and their produce and radio transmitters are also restricted from being brought into the UK from any destination.