Why is there no duty free at Heathrow?


Why is there no duty free at Heathrow? Heathrow Airport has lost a High Court bid to challenge the scrapping of tax-free shopping for tourists. Two schemes providing VAT-free shopping for some international visitors were withdrawn by the Treasury at the end of the Brexit transition period on New Year's Day this year.


Why did Heathrow stop duty free?

But under post-Brexit rules drawn up by government, tax free sales at UK airports were withdrawn for all outbound passengers from 1 January 2021 on goods other than liquor & tobacco. That included the all-important fragrances & cosmetics category, as well as fashion, luxury, and consumer technology.


What are the new UK duty free limits?

Most travellers can bring other goods into the UK worth up to £390 (e.g. perfume and electrical goods) without paying duty and/or tax in the UK. However, passengers travelling by private plane or boat for pleasure purposes are only entitled to an allowance of £270 worth of goods.


Why is Heathrow Airport so expensive?

Heathrow has argued it needs higher fees to provide a good service, pay its shareholders returns and fund investment such as new security scanners which mean liquids can stay in bags and a modern baggage system for one of its terminals.