After a transition period, Brexit came into effect on 1 January 2021 and the United Kingdom left the European Union.
Your travel, especially by Eurostar, to and from the UK will be affected by these changes.
Subject to the agreements negotiated to frame the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union, this page provides answers to customs questions, in case of reinstatement of formalities for individuals and travelers, at the end of the transition period.
How do I plan my trip to the UK?
How, as travelers, will you be impacted by Brexit at the end of the transition period?
As of 1 October 2021, most identity cards from EU, EEA and Swiss countries will no longer be accepted as a valid travel document to enter the UK. You must present a passport. If you are traveling by Eurostar or another means, make sure to check the validity of your documents before your departure. For further information and exceptions, please visit:
Download the Brexit Guide for Travelers
Tax-free
If you have your habitual residence in the UK, value added tax (VAT) can be deducted from the price of the goods you buy in the European Union. Find out more by visiting the dedicated page « Tax exemption: eligibility conditions ».
Duty Free
British travelers, when departing from France for the United Kingdom, will be able to make purchases at sales counters (duty-free or « duty-free » shops) located on board boats, planes, or in airports and ports. The value and quantities of products sold will not be limited per person and per trip (however, ask about the tax and customs exemptions of your country of destination).
Traveler deductibles
Returning from the United Kingdom, customs and tax exemptions in quantities and values will apply in France depending on the categories of goods you will transport.
Beyond the value thresholds or quantitative thresholds (430 euros in value for air and sea transport, 300 euros in value for road transport and 150 euros in value whatever the mode of transport for any passenger under 15 years), you will have to declare the products transported, and you pay duties and taxes (VAT) payable. Attention: the passenger leaving a ship or ferry by car is classified as free road transport.
For your purchases of tobacco or alcoholic beverages, there are deductibles in quantity:
- see the "You bring back tobacco, alcohol or other goods purchased outside the European Union" approach.
Pets
On arrival in the European Union from a third country, it is compulsory to declare and present pets to customs officers, so that they can carry out a documentary and identity check.
To help you in your steps, visit the page:
Food
- Since 12 April, travelers from the European Union can no longer enter the UK with meat or dairy products in their luggage.
The legislation provides for exemption cases, on limited quantities, in particular for milk intended for infants and products for medical use.
Chocolate, confectionery, bread, cakes and pasta are still allowed.
To learn more about restrictions on food products entering the UK, you can visit the UK Government's dedicated page.
- The regulation in force aims to protect the European Union from many diseases and parasites that can affect humans, animals and plants. All products of animal origin and plant and mineral products are concerned.
Travelers, you arrive in the European Union: What food and plants can you carry in your luggage?
Other restrictions
There are other restrictions on medicines, weapons, cultural goods...:
- see all the information about travelers in the « You are traveling » theme.
Online shopping: applicable taxes and deductibles
If the product you order on a UK site is not of English origin (ordering on an English site does not ensure that the product is English)
Pursuant to Article 1 point 3 of Community Regulation No 274/2008, postal items sent from a third country (outside the European Union) by professionals (distance purchase, mail order, on a website) and containing goods with an intrinsic value of less than or equal to EUR 150 are admitted free of customs duties. On the other hand, VAT (usually at 20%) is due from the first euro on importation.
If the value of the shipment is more than 150 euros at the time of purchase, you will have to pay any duties and VAT at the time of importation, even if it is used equipment or if the transaction does not give rise to payment.
The 150 euros represents the purchase value of the goods themselves, excluding shipping costs.
If the product you are ordering is of English origin
You will only bear French VAT (usually at 20%) on proof of origin of the goods thanks to agreements between the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Ask your seller and check that the origin of the goods is mentioned on the invoice.
You will also bear the carrier's or postal clearance fees.
For more information: