Duty Free Shopping
Duty free shopping is one of the things that ferries to France are synonymous for.
Pre 2000 people would regularly use the duty free laws to save massive amounts of money. Furthermore, booze cruises, as they were known, were regular reasons to travel on many ferry routes to France. Thousands of people would travel each year on the Dover to Calais ferry crossing to stock up.
Although these days have long since passed, you can still save large amounts of money, on a huge range of products.
Onboard shops are open throughout the day and night, so whenever you’re crossing you can spoil yourself with a little retail therapy.
Choose from a variety of famous brands, with great savings compared to high street prices.
Goods on sale include spirits, wine, champagnes, beer, tobacco, fashion and confectionery. You’ll also find a range of skincare and cosmetics from Dior, Paco Rabanne, Boss, Calvin Klein and more.
Duty Free Shopping Limits
Unlike countries outside the European Union, there are no specific duty free shopping limits. You therefore won’t have to pay duty or tax on goods you bring in from the European Union as long as it is for your own personal use. The Channel Islands however are not part of the European Union and these exceptions do not apply.
Although there are no duty free shopping limits, HM Customs have levels that are reasonable for personal use. Anything more and you are likely to be stopped and asked a variety of questions.
Duty free shopping limits classed as reasonable are listed below.
- 800 cigarettes
- 200 cigars
- 400 cigarillos
- 1kg tobacco
- 110 litres beer
- 90 litres wine
- 10 litres spirits
- 20 litres fortified wine eg sherry or port
With such a range of brands and savings available onboard you’d be silly to miss the opportunity to treat yourself.
Take advantage and go duty free shopping next time you’re onboard a ferry to France.
