UK Customs- What can you bring into the UK?

As most people know certain items are completely restricted from entering the UK, even if returning from the European Union. Banned Items include firearms, certain types of plants and food products, all endangered species and weapons of any kind.

There are also restrictions on alcohol and cigarettes:

If you are entering from a non EU destination:

Tobacco: you can bring in either 200 cigarettes/100 cigarillos/50 cigars/250 grams of tobacco/or a combination of these

Alcohol: 1 litre of spirits or strong liquers over 22%
2 litres of wine/sparkling wine or other alcoholic drink les than 22% or a combination of these
additionally you may bring 16 litres of beer and 4 litres of still wine

You may also bring in other goods with a value of up to 390GBP without having to pay duty or tax.

Entering from EU country:

Generally when coming from a EU country there are no restrictions BUT you do need to meet some conditions:

That you have transported the goods yourself.
These items are for personal use or as a gift
That Tax and duties have been paid in the EU country of origin

If any of the above are not met the items will be confiscated.

Although there are no limits on the amount of alcohol and cigarettes you can bring UK customs officials are likely to question if you have more than:

3200 cigarettes
200 cigars
400 cigarillos
3 kg of tobacco
10 litres of spirits
90 litres of wine
110 litres of beer
30 litres of fortified wine (port or sherry for example)

For full information on customs click here for the UKBA guidance on travelling to the UK.