What you can carry in your luggage while travelling to Europe

Holiday travel in Europe often means shopping and carrying local goods across borders. While the European Union (EU) allows the free movement of goods, there are specific rules on carrying certain items while coming from Non-EU and in between EU countries. Non-compliance with these rules may lead to confiscation, fines or, in some cases, criminal action, as per the official norms established by EU.

Travelling to the EU from Non-EU countries

For travellers entering the EU from outside, carrying meat or dairy products is prohibited. Limited quantities of fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, and certain fish products are allowed. Some plants and animals may require special permits due to strict EU regulations on endangered species.

Duty-free allowances for non-EU travellers include:

• 4 litres of still wine and 16 litres of beer
• 1 litre of spirits (over 22% alcohol) or 2 litres of fortified or sparkling wine
• Tobacco within limits specified by local customs

Perfumes and other goods can be carried up to a value of €300 per traveller (or €430 for air and sea travellers). For travellers under 15, some EU countries enforce a €150 limit. Additionally, motorists can transport up to 10 litres of fuel in a portable container apart from the vehicle's fuel tank.

Cash declarations

Travellers entering or leaving the EU with €10,000 or more (or equivalent currency) must declare it to customs using an EU cash declaration form. Non-declaration or incorrect declaration can result in penalties.

Travelling within the EU

If you are travelling between EU countries, you are allowed to carry meat, dairy products, cut flowers, fruits or vegetables, provided they are for personal consumption and grown in an EU country without pests or disease. These allowances also apply to products carried in luggage, purchased online, or sent by post.

There are restrictions on powdered baby milk (less than 10 kg), baby food, food needed for medical reasons, and certain pet feeds.

For alcohol and tobacco, travellers can carry products for personal use, but quantities should not exceed EU-level guidelines:

• 800 cigarettes
• 1 kg of tobacco
• 10 litres of spirits
• 20 litres of fortified wine
• 90 litres of wine
• 110 litres of beer

There are no EU-wide rules on cash carried between member countries, but travellers should check with local customs authorities for any country-specific requirements.

Consumer rights while travelling

If you purchase faulty goods, digital content, or services in an EU country, the European Consumer Centre in your home country can assist. For legal guarantees or commercial warranties, it is advisable to review the rules of the country where you bought the product.

This information helps travellers plan better and avoid issues with customs when moving between or entering EU countries.