Brits risk £1000 fine at airport for not doing one thing after holiday

British holidaymakers heading abroad this summer are being urged to brush up on customs rules, as failing to declare one popular item could result in fines of up to £1,000 at the airport. The warning comes as millions of Brits are expected to travel internationally over the coming weeks, with many planning to indulge in luxury purchases such as watches and jewellery, often snapped up at airport duty-free shops or overseas boutiques.

But customs experts are cautioning travellers that if you don't declare high-value goods properly when returning to the UK, you could face unexpected taxes, confiscation of goods, or a hefty fine. According to Danny Toffel, CEO and founder of the online retailer Watches2U, a common misconception among travellers is that items bought "duty-free" or abroad don't need to be declared.

That assumption, he says, is both widespread and potentially expensive.

"A lot of people think if they've bought a watch at the airport or in a boutique overseas, it's fine to bring back without any extra steps, but that's not always true," said Toffel.

"There are strict limits on how much you can bring into the UK tax-free, and exceeding them without declaring the item can land you in trouble."

Currently, travellers entering the UK can bring in goods worth up to £390 without needing to pay import tax.

This drops to £270 for those arriving by private aircraft or boat.

If your purchase exceeds these limits, even by just a few pounds, you are legally required to declare the item and may be liable to pay import VAT and customs duty.

Watches and jewellery are particularly easy to overlook, especially if you're wearing them as you return home.

However, border officers are trained to spot high-end brands and can request proof of purchase.

If you haven't declared the item and it's found during inspection, you could be fined, or the item may be seized until the appropriate duty is paid.

Toffel advises travellers to keep all receipts for valuable items purchased abroad and to familiarise themselves with duty-free allowances before they travel.

Declaring an item, even if it results in a small fee, is far less costly than paying a fine or losing the item altogether.

"If you're treating yourself to a watch or piece of jewellery abroad, take a moment to check the UK rules before you travel home," Toffel said.

"It's always better to declare and pay a small amount than risk a fine or losing the item altogether."

He also suggests checking if your purchase qualifies for VAT refunds or falls under special duty-free schemes, especially when shopping in Europe.