Tobacco seizures prompts Customs reminder on limits

“There has been a noticeable increase in the amount of tobacco being abandoned by travellers and this may be due to the fact that they are unaware of the limits”, says Group Manager Border Operations, Anne Marie Taggart.

“The current duty free allowance is 50 cigarettes, or 50 grams of cigarettes, cigars or tobacco. Duty will be applied to any cigarettes, cigars or tobacco over this limit. Not declaring or hiding excess tobacco is a criminal offence – this tobacco will be seized and there could be serious consequences.”

She adds there has also been growth in the amount of tobacco abandoned or seized that has been sent from overseas and in particular, from the Asian region, through international mail or by freight. There is no gift or duty free allowance and whoever the tobacco is addressed to, is considered to be the “importer” and is liable for the taxes.

In 2017, more than 3 million cigarettes/cigars and around half a tonne of loose tobacco was intercepted by Customs, with more than 2.5 tonnes of tobacco abandoned as people did not want to pay the extra charges.

“Customs will shortly be running a campaign to raise awareness about the limits and the duty that has to be paid for excess tobacco,” says Ms Taggart.

“Everyone can play a part in this by making sure their friends and family are aware of the allowances. We want people to be aware of the additional costs that will be incurred before they travel, or send from overseas, to avoid having their tobacco abandoned or seized. Any tobacco that is intercepted or abandoned will be destroyed.”