EU approves changes to duty-free allowances

Nicole Mezzasalma

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New directive increases duty-free allowances for travellers entering the EU from third countries

The Council of the European Union has adopted directive 2007/74/EC regarding duty-free allowances on goods carried by people entering the EU from third countries. The new directive replaces the previous legislation on the matter, adapting it to the enlarged EU and simplifying some provisions.

According to the new directive, the value limit on duty-free allowances will increase from €175 ($256) to €430 ($630) for air and sea travellers, and from €175 to €300 ($440) for travellers by land. Member states may also apply different limits on duty-free imports of tobacco products depending on whether they enter the EU by air or land. A statement from the Council said the changes are “in part to cater for the effects on inflation since they were last revised in 1994”.

The new directive will come into effect on December 1. Click here to read the full text.