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Explained: Current duty free rules to be aware of, allowances, and savings you can make

Last updated Apr 11, 2022

Duty free shopping changed at the start of 2021, and we think you need to know all about it.

New rules came into play meaning passengers travelling to all EU countries are able to shop bestselling brands at huge discounts.

However, as the global pandemic grounded international travel for much of that year, we’d suggest there are many people who are yet to see these changes in action – and are perhaps even unaware of them.

So as you return to the airport for that long-awaited holiday, here are the new duty free rules to keep in mind as you seek out some Champagne for the chalet or a bottle of famous Scotch whisky as a gift for friends overseas.

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What has changed?

Passengers travelling from the UK to EU countries can take advantage of duty free shopping. This wasn’t the case prior to January 2021.

Those who shop in World Duty Free at Edinburgh Airport can make savings of up to 50 per cent versus the high street on a range of bestselling brands.

What are the allowances?

The allowance also increased meaning the amount passengers can bring back to the UK has risen. According to gov.uk you can bring in three crates of beer, two cases of still wine and one case of sparkling wine without paying UK duties.

Limits for passengers buying at our World Duty Free on their way to EU countries are four litres of wine, 16 litres of beer, one litre of spirits over 22 per cent volume, and two litres of those less than 22 per cent volume. You can combine these products provided you do not exceed the total limit.

However, that being said, we’d always remind you to check allowances for the country you are flying to first.

How much money do you really save at duty free?

A lot. You can save up to 50 per cent off alcohol, and 40 per cent off fragrance - whether you're buying gift sets for friends and family, or just treating yourself.

Among the brands you can shop are: Dior; Yves Saint Laurent; Giorgio Armani; Hugo Boss; Burberry; Calvin Klein; Ralph Lauren; Swarkovski; Jo Malone London; Ray-Ban; Johnnie Walker; Marc Jacobs; Glenmorangie; Hotel Chocolat; Grey Goose; The Glenlivet; Baileys; Edinburgh Gin; Highland Park.

Ahead of your arrival at Edinburgh Airport you can pre-order goods any time between one month and 24-hours before your flight through Reserve and Collect.

Through the free-to-use service you can shop a selection of brands, some of which aren’t even stocked in the Edinburgh Airport store, before paying for and collecting your purchase on your day of departure. In essence, the sooner you make your order the more products you have to choose from.

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Savings for Domestic Flights

Flying domestic and worried you’re going to miss out? Don’t.

There are still savings to be made (including 40 per cent off fragrance).

Check out our World Duty Free for more information.

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