If you enter the EU from a non-EU country, goods having no commercial character in your personal luggage can be imported free of customs duties, VAT and excise duties within the following limits:

Tobacco products

200 cigarettes or

100 cigarillos or

50 cigars or

250 grams of tobacco

Alcoholic drinks

1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol. or

2 litres of fortified wine or sparkling wine

2 litres of still wine

Perfume

50 grams

Eau de toilette

250 ml

On 28 November 2006 the Council of the EU (ECOFIN) reached a political agreement on the Commission's proposal adjusting the allowances for travellers from third countries. A limit of €430 for travellers by air and sea and one of €300 for travellers by land and inland waterways will apply in future. Under the compromise reached, Member States may apply a higher or lower quantity for tobacco products (for example, 200 or 40 cigarettes) and make a distinction according to the route travelled.

Apart from some exceptions the Community rules prohibit the importation of meat, meat products, milk and milk products by travellers.

Pet owners have to respect and follow the community movements.

• Drugs
• Medicines
• Weapons
• Explosive Material
• Pornographic Materials

As from 15 June 2007, travellers entering or leaving the EU and carrying €10 000 or more in cash (or its equivalent in other currencies or easily convertible assets such as cheques drawn on a third party) have to make a declaration to the customs authorities.

This follows the entry into force of a new European Regulation aimed at fighting money laundering, and the financing of terrorism. Customs authorities are empowered under the Regulation to undertake controls on individuals, their baggage and their means of transport and detain cash that has not been declared.