Brexit: unrestricted shopping in the UK to end

Those who want to travel to the UK have to make thorough inquiries into the new travel restrictions and customs regulations from January due to Brexit. Apart from the mandatory Covid-19 forms travelers have to fill in, there are several new rules about customs and taxes.

First of all, if you carry 10 000 euros in cash (or more), you must declare it. There will be new rules for importing goods as well. Adults (+15-year-olds) have to declare the goods they bought and pay value-added tax (VAT) and customs duties if they represent more than €300. When flying or sailing to the UK, it is €430.

On some of the Eurostar trains, customs officers will already check the goods onboard. People coming to the UK don’t have to pay taxes or duties on goods from the European Union as long as they transport them themselves, are meant for personal use or as a gift, and have paid taxes and duties for where they bought them.

Confiscation

When bringing goods into the UK, custom officers may check and ask questions about the type and quantity of the goods, why you bought them, and how you paid for them.

The quantities of goods you take back home (to Belgium, other EU countries may have other conditions e.n.) are limited to a maximum of 200 cigarettes, 250 grams of tobacco, 4 liters of wine, 16 liters of beer, and 2 liters of spirits. Those who exceed the limits risk custom duties or even confiscation of the goods.

Gift or tax-free

Goods will be exempted from taxation if you received them as a gift or if you bought them in a tax-free shop at the airport, for instance. According to the Belga press agency’s press release, even online shopping will change after Brexit.

When buying something online in a British webshop, you will have to pay customs duties, VAT, and other costs. And all these formalities can lead to a delay in delivery.

And what about traveling pets? If you find it heartbreaking to leave your cat or dog at home, why not taking it with you on the journey? According to the animal couriers site, there will be no changes concerning the actual health care preparations for pets entering the UK from January 1st, 2021. They need their EU pet passport or a GB pet health certificate (for travel into GB only).