SEASONAL cheer is on the way for wine and beer lovers or those planning to do some Christmas shopping while away on a trip.
From 1 December, adults travelling to the Island can bring in double the current personal amount of wine without paying duty, and those on commercial carriers can also bring in gifts and other items valued at £340 instead of £145 without paying GST on their return.
The changes will raise the personal wine allowance for those aged 17 or older from two litres to four, and they can also have up to 16 litres of beer or cider in their luggage or vehicle without it affecting their wine or spirit allowance. Travellers on commercial aircraft and boats will be able to bring in goods other than alcohol and tobacco to the value of £340 without paying GST, compared to £145 at present. The ‘other goods’ allowance for those arriving on private boats and planes will be £240.
The changes will bring the total personal wine, spirit and tobacco allowance to one litre of spirits, four litres of wine, 16 litres of beer and cider, and 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of other tobacco products. At present, anyone bringing in beer or cider would be unable to also bring in the full wine or spirit allowance, but that is to change with the new allowances.
