Holidays 2021: Brexit perks - duty-free alcohol allowance

Holidays that start or end with an exciting airport purchase are often that little bit more thrilling. Duty-free shopping means travellers can bag some great deals. However, being part of the EU has come with some downsides in this area.

New Brexit duty-free rules

The government has “reviewed the excise duty and VAT treatment of goods purchased by individuals for their own use and carried across borders in their luggage.”

Britons will able to buy duty-free tobacco and alcohol when travelling to the EU.

However, the precise allowances for these are not yet clear.

It is also not known whether there will be changes to the duty paid arrangements.

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The government website stated: “Incoming travellers will be entitled to the same tax and duty-free allowances, the amount of goods an individual can bring into Great Britain without making a declaration or paying tax/duty, regardless of whether they arrive from the EU or non-EU countries. “

It added: “Alcohol allowances will be significantly increased for all passengers to enable them to transport reasonable amounts of alcohol for personal consumption in Great Britain, without having to pay the relevant taxes.”

HM Revenues & Customs also stated: “Other allowances remain unchanged except for the addition of a new category of tobacco products (tobacco for heating).”

Customs declarations will also be made simpler.

“Travellers with goods in excess of their personal allowances will be able to use a simplified method for calculating excise duty to make their declarations more easily.

“This measure is not expected to have a significant impact on family formation, stability or breakdown.”