Post-Brexit Shopping: What Travellers Must Know

Belgium's customs service is reminding travellers that post-Brexit shopping rules apply when returning from the UK.

With the UK no longer in the EU, customs checks now cover all travellers, including those arriving by train, boat or plane.

Duties and taxes are based on the total value of the goods, including any VAT already paid in the UK, which can make shopping abroad more expensive than travellers expect.

Key Rules:

Goods worth over €300 (train) or €430 (boat/plane) must be declared.
Cash amounts of €10,000 or more must also be declared.
Failure to declare can lead to fines.

Despite these rules, compliance is low. At Brussels Midi, no passengers from a recent Eurostar train declared goods. Customs officials warn that many travellers still assume London shopping follows EU rules.

While enforcement remains limited, customs officers are considering installing scanners to improve checks.

Customs Restrictions for EU Travellers Returning from the UK

EU travellers returning from the UK must follow customs regulations that apply to goods brought from non-EU countries.

Here’s what you need to know before crossing the border.

Duty-Free Allowances

Travellers can bring goods back without paying taxes or duties, but only within limits:

Alcohol: 16L of beer, 4L of wine, and either 1L of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2L of fortified/sparkling wine.
Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, or 250g of loose tobacco.
Shopping & Gifts: Up to €300 for land/rail travellers, €430 for air/sea travellers, and €150 for those under 15 years old.

Exceeding these limits requires declaring goods and paying customs duties and VAT.

Restricted & Prohibited Items

Certain goods are banned or restricted, including:

Meat, dairy, and animal products (unless meeting strict EU import rules).
Plants, fruits, and vegetables (must have a phytosanitary certificate).
Medications and controlled substances (some require a prescription).
Firearms and self-defense weapons (require special permits).

Cash Declarations

Travellers carrying €10,000 or more in cash must declare it at customs.

Customs officers conduct random checks at airports, ferry ports, and train stations like Brussels Midi (Eurostar). Many travellers fail to declare taxable goods, but enforcement is increasing.

To avoid fines and delays, travellers should check regulations before returning to the EU.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.

Check out the offers and discounts from:

And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.

IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

Some of our posts include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of these products, we might get a small commission. For more information, check out our TOS.