Central France
Once you have bought your home in France, you will be travelling more frequently. Some people are confused about just what goods are duty free and what the limits for these goods are. The following article, written by HM Revenue & Customs should help to clear this up:
If you bring in goods on which tax has been paid in France, you do not have to pay any tax or duty on them in the UK. However any alcohol or tobacco you bring in must be for your own use and transported by you.
Own use’ includes goods for your own consumption and gifts. If you bring in goods for resale, or for any payment, even payment kind, they are regarded as being for a commercial purpose.
Alcohol or tobacco
If you are bringing in alcohol or tobacco goods and there is reason to suspect they may be for a commercial purpose, a Customs officer may ask you questions and make checks, for example about:
- the type and quantity of goods you have bought
- why you bought them
- how you paid for them
- whether all your goods are openly displayed or concealed
- how often you travel
- how much you normally smoke or drink or
- any other relevant circumstances.
You are particularly likely to be asked questions if you have more than:
3200 cigarettes, 200 cigars, 400 cigarillos, 3kg tobacco, 110 litres of beer, 90 litres of wine, 10 litres of spirits, 20 litres of fortified wine (such as port or sherry).
The officer will take into account all the factors of the situation and your explanation.
If the customs officer is satisfied that the goods are for a commercial purpose they may seize them and any vehicle used to transport them, and may not return them to you.
If you are caught selling alcohol or tobacco goods they may be seized, and for a serious offence you could get up to seven years in prison.
The country where you buy tobacco goods may have its own laws on how much you can buy or have in your possession, and what documents you need. If in doubt, check with that country’s authorities before you buy.
If you let a coach, ferry or aircraft store your goods while travelling back to the UK you must make sure when you arrive in the UK that you collect the exact goods you bought.
If you have tobacco products over these limits you should speak to a Customs officer in the red channel or on the red point phone.
