If you’re wondering how much tobacco you can bring back to the UK without breaking the rules, you’re not alone. Many travellers ask, “How many cigarettes or how much tobacco can I bring back?” The rules can feel confusing, especially since customs allowances differ depending on whether you’re returning to the UK from a European Union (EU) country or a non-EU nation.
At Remitly we want to make travel as easy and stress-free as possible, so we’ve created this clear, easy-to-follow guide to break down the UK’s Customs allowance for tobacco. We’ll explain the rules for bringing in tobacco from both EU and non-EU countries, help you understand the limits, and outline what happens if you go over them. You’ll also find answers to some common questions so you can travel with confidence.
Bringing tobacco into the UK from the EU
If you travel to the UK from an EU country, the restrictions for bringing in tobacco are less stringent than when you arrive from outside the EU. There are guidelines rather than strict limits on duty-paid tobacco you can bring from EU countries, as long as it’s for your own use or a genuine gift.
What does “for your own use” mean?
Personal use means the tobacco is intended for you to enjoy yourself or give as a gift to friends or family, not to sell. If you’re carrying very large quantities, Customs officers may take a closer look, so it’s helpful to understand what’s considered reasonable.
Large quantities will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, but here are the amounts HMRC uses as indicative of personal use:
- 800 cigarettes
- 400 cigarillos
- 200 cigars
- 1 kg hand-rolling (smoking) tobacco
Carrying amounts close to these guidelines is usually fine. However, if you go over them, Customs officers may ask questions about why you’re bringing so much, how often you travel, your typical consumption, and whether the tobacco is genuinely for personal use.
Tobacco tax and duty are usually included in the price when you buy tobacco in an EU country, so you normally won’t also be charged UK tax on the same products when you return.
The EU includes member countries like France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Poland. Keep in mind that some territories—such as the Canary Islands, Northern Cyprus, and the Channel Islands—are outside EU excise regimes, so different rules apply.
Bringing tobacco into the UK from non-EU countries
As we’ve mentioned, arriving in Great Britain (England, Scotland, or Wales) from a non-EU country carries tighter restrictions. To avoid paying extra tax or running into issues with Customs, it’s important to stay within the personal allowance.
Each adult can bring in one of the following:
- 200 cigarettes
- 100 cigarillos
- 50 cigars
- 250 g tobacco
- 200 sticks for electronic, heated tobacco devices
You don’t have to choose one type of tobacco: you can split your allowance. For example, you could buy 100 cigarettes and 25 cigars (each half of the limit). This flexibility makes it easy to bring a mix of products without going over the rules.
Keep in mind that there are no personal tobacco allowances if you’re under 17, and you won’t be allowed to bring in any tobacco at all.
If you’re arriving in Northern Ireland, generally speaking the same limits apply, but the details can vary slightly depending on where you’re coming from—particularly if you arrive from the Republic of Ireland. Always double-check the rules before you travel, especially if your route involves multiple countries or UK regions.
What happens if you exceed your allowance?
If you bring more tobacco into the UK than your personal allowance, you’ll need to declare the excess when entering the country. You have two main options:
- Online before you travel
You can declare certain goods up to five days (120 hours) before arrival using the government’s online service. - At the border
On arrival, go through the red channel at the port, airport, or border to declare your excess tobacco.
Here’s what you need to declare online:
- The exact price of your goods in the currency you paid
- The quantity or volume of your goods
- The country where your goods were made or produced, if travelling from the EU
- Your passport number or EU identity card number
- Your date and time of arrival
- A credit or debit card if you need to pay tax or duty
If you’re travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, you can use your driving licence number or phone number instead of a passport.
When declaring your items, you’ll need to pay any customs duty, excise duty, and import VAT on anything that exceeds your allowance. If you buy goods in the EU they may be eligible for zero customs duty, providing you supply proof of origin and purchase. You can only do this if you provide proof that each item was made and purchased from the EU.
What evidence do you need?
The type of evidence depends on the total value of your goods:
- Under £1,000
A label, packaging, or written note from the seller showing EU origin and purchase is usually enough. - Over £1,000
You’ll need more formal documentation, such as an invoice with a statement confirming EU origin, purchase date, and place. - Over £5,500
You’ll need the exporter’s EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number.
Customs officers may ask to see this evidence, so be sure to have it ready when you arrive.
What happens if you don’t declare?
Failing to declare tobacco that exceeds your allowance can lead to serious consequences:
- Seizure of your goods
Border Force has the authority to confiscate any undeclared tobacco under section 139 of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (CEMA). In some cases, they may also take other related items in the same category. If your tobacco is seized, you could lose it permanently unless you challenge the decision successfully. - Vehicle seizure
If undeclared tobacco is being transported in a car or other vehicle, Customs officers may even seize the vehicle, especially if they believe the goods were intended for resale. This can be hugely costly, maybe even more than you’d have saved by not declaring the goods. - Fines or legal action
Being found with undeclared tobacco can result in fines and other legal penalties. The severity of the consequences depends on the quantity involved, whether you intended to sell it, or whether you have previous offences.
There are strict time limits to challenge seizures or request your tobacco back, so it’s much easier to declare them upfront. The UK government has made this quick and simple, especially if you complete the process online beforehand. It also keeps you on the right side of the law and helps you avoid unnecessary stress.
What about duty-free?
You might be wondering how duty-free shopping affects your tobacco allowance when you return to the UK. Let’s break it down:
What “duty free” means
“Duty free” goods are sold without import tax or duty, usually at airports, ports, or shops abroad. Essentially, you’re buying products at a tax-free price because you’re taking them out of the country.
However, being duty-free doesn’t mean you can bring unlimited amounts into the UK. Duty-free goods still count towards each adult’s personal allowance.
When you enter Great Britain from a non-EU country, any duty-free tobacco you buy counts towards your standard allowance. You can also purchase duty-free goods in the UK if you’re travelling to an EU country, but keep in mind:
- You may need to pay local taxes or duty upon arrival in the EU.
- UK duty-free prices do not exempt you from EU import rules.
Duty-free shopping is a great way to save money while travelling, but your personal allowance and the rules of your destination always apply.
Bringing tobacco into the UK made simple
Bringing tobacco into the UK comes with clear rules, and understanding them helps you avoid fines, seizure of your tobacco, or other legal issues. Allowances vary depending on whether you’re returning from an EU or non-EU country, but regardless of where you’re coming from, anything over your personal limits should be declared.
By following these guidelines, knowing what counts as personal use, paying any applicable duties, and keeping proof of origin, you can ensure a smooth arrival and stay on the right side of the law. This also helps reduce travel stress and prevent surprises at the border.
Rules and allowances can change, so if you’re planning to buy quite a bit of tobacco, it’s always wise to check the official UK Government website before you travel. Planning ahead and understanding your responsibilities allows you to enjoy your trip without worrying about Customs issues or unexpected penalties.
FAQs
How much is the tax if I declare extra cigarettes?
The tax on extra cigarettes is based on UK customs duty, excise duty, and VAT. The exact amount depends on how many cigarettes you bring in over your allowance. For accurate calculations, use the official UK government customs calculator or website before travelling.
Can I bring cigarettes for my friends?
You can bring tobacco as gifts for friends or family, but it should be within your personal allowance. Selling or distributing these items for profit is illegal. Large quantities, even if intended as gifts, may attract additional scrutiny from Customs officers.
Do these rules apply to vaping and e-cigarettes?
Yes, vaping products and e-cigarette refills are subject to their own customs regulations. There are limits on the quantity each adult can bring for personal use, and import duty may apply. Always check the latest guidance on gov.uk to ensure you comply with the rules.
Are the allowances different for people under 17?
Anyone under 17 has no allowance for tobacco or alcohol when entering the UK. This includes cigarettes, cigars, hand-rolling tobacco, and vaping products. Carrying any of these items could lead to seizure and penalties.
Can I combine tobacco products within my allowance?
Yes, you can mix different types of tobacco within your overall personal allowance. For example, you could bring half of your cigarettes allowance and half of your cigar allowance. Customs officers may ask questions if the combined amount seems unusually high.
Do I need proof of purchase or origin for EU-bought tobacco?
If you’re bringing tobacco from the EU, having proof of purchase or origin can help you claim a zero rate of customs duty. For items valued under £1,000, a label or receipt is usually sufficient, but for higher value goods, formal invoices and statements of origin may be required. Always keep your documentation handy in case Customs officers ask to see it.