Summertime is traditionally vacation time. Many people pack their bags and head off to various destinations around the world. But when packing souvenirs from your vacation, there are a few things to consider to avoid unpleasant surprises at customs. The Austrian Ministry of Finance and the Austrian Customs Office therefore provide information about important customs regulations that every traveler should know.

Free movement of goods applies within the European Union (EU). This means that goods for personal use can generally be taken across borders without additional duties. However, there are upper limits that must be observed, particularly for tobacco products and alcohol. The following quantities are guidelines for personal use:

• Tobacco products: 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, 1 kilogram of smoking tobacco, 800 tobacco sticks or 250 grams of contained tobacco in another form.
• Alcohol: 10 liters of spirits, 20 liters of alcoholic beverages up to 22% vol., 90 liters of wine (of which a maximum of 60 liters of sparkling wine) and 110 liters of beer.

These regulations are intended to ensure that the goods are actually intended for private use only and not for trade. Customs controls within the EU therefore mainly serve to monitor import bans and restrictions in order to ensure safety and prevent illegal trade.

Entry from non-EU countries

The situation is different when entering from non-EU countries. Here, specific allowances apply for tobacco and alcohol, which can be imported duty-free. The following amounts are permitted for private use:

• Tobacco products: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250 grams of smoking tobacco.
• Alcohol: 1 litre of spirits with over 22% vol. or 2 litres of alcohol and alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of less than 22% vol., plus 4 litres of still wine and 16 litres of beer.

Exemption limits for the value of goods

In addition to tobacco and alcohol, there are also tax-free limits for the total value of imported goods. Travelers can import goods up to a total value of 300 euros per person or 430 euros for air travelers duty-free. For travelers under 15, this tax-free limit is 150 euros, regardless of the means of transport. If these tax-free limits are exceeded, goods exceeding this limit must be declared at the EU customs tariff. Goods up to a total value of 700 euros can be taxed at a flat rate of 2,5%, and import sales tax is also payable.

Cash regulations

Travelers carrying 10.000 euros or more in cash must declare it when entering or leaving the EU. In addition to cash, this also includes checks, gold coins and gold bars. The purpose of the declaration is to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

Souvenirs and species protection

Special care should be taken with souvenirs made from protected animal and plant species. Articles such as ivory, tropical wood or products made from protected animal species may not be allowed to be imported or may only be imported with the appropriate species protection documents. Exceptions exist for certain quantities, such as up to 125 grams of caviar or certain products made from crocodile skin.

Traveling with animals

Within the EU, travellers are allowed to bring up to five pets (dogs, domestic cats and ferrets) with them, provided that each animal has a pet passport or, in the case of animals from third countries, an animal health certificate. There are currently no restrictions for other animals, such as tropical ornamental fish or rodents, as long as they are not being transported for commercial purposes.

Goods of animal and vegetable origin

To prevent animal diseases, the import of goods of animal origin from third countries is subject to strict restrictions. Only certain products such as honey, beeswax or medical foods up to 2 kilograms are permitted. Plant products are also subject to control obligations if they are imported from third countries.

To avoid problems at customs, travelers should inform themselves about the current regulations in advance. This can be done on the website of the Ministry of Finance or directly from the responsible customs authorities. With this information in hand, nothing stands in the way of a carefree and pleasant trip.