Expert: Roberto Gomes - 3/2/2009

Question
Hi, I noticed you answered a question about alcohol while back. Can you tell me what are the limitations for taking alcohol from Canada to Europe (UK as point of entry in EU)? The bottles will be into the checked in baggage, not the carry on.
Thanks in advance.

Answer
Dear Stephen,

As of December 1, 2008, Duty Free Allowances for visitors from outside the EU have more than doubled. Here are the latest allowances, if you arrive in the UK on a transatlantic flight or from anywhere outside the EU:

   * tobacco products for personal use - 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g of loose tobacco. As of December 1, while allowances remain the same, you can make up your duty free allowance from a mixture of tobacco products. For example, 100 cigarettes, and 25 cigars would meet the tobacco limits.
   * 4 litres of still table wine
   * 1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs over 22 per cent alcohol by volume, or 2 litres of fortified wine(such as port or sherry), sparkling wine or other liqueurs.( As with the change in tobacco allowances, you can now make up your alcohol allowance from a mix and match of alcohol products.
   * 16 liters (or 28 imperial pints) of beer
   * £300 worth of all other goods including gifts and souvenirs - rising to £340 after January 1, 2009

The tobacco and alcohol allowances only apply if you are over 17 years old.

Best Regards,
R. Gomes