THE EUROPEAN Commission has more than doubled duty-free allowances for travellers from countries outside the EU.
From yesterday, people flying from outside the European Union will be able to bring goods, other than alcohol, tobacco and fuel, up to a value of €430 into the EU in their luggage.
Up to now, the limit for these goods - such as electronics or toys - was €175.
Internet shopping also gets a boost, with an increase in the customs duty threshold for "negligible value" goods imported by post from €22 to €150. However, a €22 threshold still applies to VAT, according to the Revenue Commissioners.
For the first time, no limit will apply on the quantity of perfume, coffee and tea that travellers can bring home to the EU for personal use. The duty-free limit for wine is being increased from two litres to four litres.
However, a limit has been introduced for the first time for beer, at 16 litres for each passenger.
Member states were given the option of reducing the limit for cigarettes, on health grounds, to 40. However, Ireland and most other states have opted to stick with the existing limit of 200 cigarettes for each passenger, except for crew members.
EU taxation commissioner László Kovács said many of the previous rules, which were in place since 1969, were no longer relevant to today's world.
Consumers would benefit from higher allowances in terms of money and quantity, Mr Kovács added, while member states would avoid the administrative costs which are currently involved in collecting small amounts of import duties and taxes.
The new limits mean a person flying to Ireland from outside the EU could import 200 cigarettes, a litre of spirits, four litres of wine, 16 litres of beer and €430 worth of other goods duty-free.
Taxes and customs duties are applied to the value of goods exceeding the limits. However, the value of an individual item cannot be split between passengers.
The rules apply not only to non- EU states, but also to territories where EU rules on VAT and excise do not apply, such as the Canary Islands - which attracts tens of thousands of Irish holidaymakers every year - the Channel Islands and Gibraltar.
The €430 limit applies to air and sea travel - for those crossing land borders or travelling by inland waterway the limit is €300.
Sailors are allowed to bring in 10 litres of fuel over and above what is in their tank.
