United Kingdom Customs Rules 2026: Duty-Free Allowance, Banned Items & Cash Limit

Duty-free allowance in United Kingdom

Other goods up to £390 (£270 by private plane/boat). If you go over, tax is due on ALL goods in that category, not just the excess. Allowances can't be shared. ✅ Official

About 2.5% duty plus 20% VAT on goods over the allowance. ≈ Estimated

Status

Gold jewellery	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Gold bars & coins	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Mobile phones	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Laptops & tablets	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Other electronics	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Watches	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Perfume & cosmetics	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Clothing & shoes	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Gifts & other goods	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Alcohol	allowed	Duty-free (17+): 42 L beer, 18 L still wine, plus 4 L spirits or 9 L sparkling/fortified wine. ✅ Official
Cigarettes & tobacco	allowed	Duty-free (17+): 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250 g tobacco. ✅ Official
E-cigarettes / vapes	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Cash & currency	declare	Declare £10,000 or more in cash when entering or leaving Great Britain. You can declare online up to 72 hours ahead. ✅ Official
Medicines	restricted	Personal-use medicines are usually allowed with a prescription. Controlled medicines (strong painkillers, sedatives, ADHD drugs) may need prior approval. ≈ Estimated
Packaged food & sweets	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Meat, milk & dairy	prohibited	Meat and dairy for personal use are banned, including from the EU since April 2025. ✅ Official
Plants, seeds & fruit	restricted	Plants and plant products from outside the EU need a phytosanitary certificate. ✅ Official
Drones	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Weapons & ammunition	restricted	Firearms, ammunition and many knives need an import permit or licence issued in advance. ≈ Estimated
Narcotics & drugs	prohibited	Illegal drugs are prohibited in practically every country. Penalties can include long prison sentences or worse. ≈ Estimated

🏝️

Jersey / Guernsey (Channel Islands): Not part of the UK VAT area: goods are often cheaper (Jersey GST 5%, Guernsey no VAT). UK allowances apply when you travel to Great Britain. ≈ Estimated

Declare or pay online

HMRC – declare goods & pay tax online: Check allowances, declare and pay tax and duty online up to 72 hours before you arrive. ✅ Official
UK cash declaration (£10,000+): Declare cash online up to 72 hours before arriving or leaving. ✅ Official

Leaving United Kingdom

Declare £10,000 or more in cash when leaving Great Britain. ✅ Official

⚖️ If you don't declare

Undeclared cash of £10,000+: it can be seized, plus a fine of up to £5,000.
Goods over the allowance not declared: goods can be seized (and the vehicle, if used), with penalties.
Meat/dairy and banned items are destroyed; serious smuggling is prosecuted.

🟣 Reported EntryBrief – UK cash: seizure and fine up to £5,000

Frequently asked questions

How much can I bring duty-free from to United Kingdom?

Other goods up to £390 (£270 by private plane/boat). If you go over, tax is due on ALL goods in that category, not just the excess. Allowances can't be shared.

How much cash can I carry to United Kingdom?

Declare £10,000 or more in cash when entering or leaving Great Britain. You can declare online up to 72 hours ahead.

Can I pay customs duty online before travelling to United Kingdom?

HMRC – declare goods & pay tax online: Check allowances, declare and pay tax and duty online up to 72 hours before you arrive. UK cash declaration (£10,000+): Declare cash online up to 72 hours before arriving or leaving.

Popular routes

Sources

✅ Official GOV.UK – Travelling to the UK (customs information)
✅ Official GOV.UK – Bringing goods into the UK for personal use
✅ Official GOV.UK – Declare cash you carry into or out of the UK

Last checked: 2026-11-09