Increase in duty-free allowance

1 December 2008

The duty-free allowance for people bringing gifts and souvenirs back to the UK from countries outside the EU has doubled as from 1 December.

The tax and duty-free allowance has increased from £145 to £300, with a further rise to £340 in January to take account of recent changes in the sterling/euro exchange rate.

Stephen Timms, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said: “This new rate for all EU member states will be a welcome boost to holiday makers and all others travelling outside the EU.”