From 1 January 2021, the customs rules applicable to destinations outside the European Union shall apply on return from the United Kingdom. Many business travellers are not aware of this yet, according to a poll. Although travel is currently not recommended, the European customs authorities do inform travellers about the new rules applicable from 1 January 2021 for travel from the UK.

The Customs survey shows that a majority of business travellers (61.3%) need more information on the rules applicable from 1 January 2021. That is why Customs puts five points in a row:

1. Purchases and relationship gifts can be taken home. If these together are more expensive than (converted) € 430, you will pay tax on this when you return to the Europe.
2. You can take a gallon of liquor tax-free.
3. Dairy, meat and most fish products, such as cheddar and bacon, are no longer allowed. Even if they’re vacuum-packed.
4. You can take one carton of cigarettes tax-free.
5. If on the outward or return journey (converted) you bring € 10,000 or more in contact money, you must report it to Customs.

In the case of dairy, meat and most fish products, the customs authorities ask for the products to be disposed of when a customs officer finds them in the trunk. It does not matter whether you bought the product yourself or whether it is a relationship gift from a business partner.

The vast majority (85.8%) of business travellers who have visited the UK over the past three years have taken home something nice or tasty. This is clear from the customs survey. Candy, cookies and chocolate (48.1 percent) are the most popular, followed by souvenirs such as key chains or magnets (46.2 percent) and clothing (38.7 percent). Even after the end of Brexit’s transitional period, these products can still be brought back in the suitcase under the above conditions.