MPs call for post-Brexit return of duty-free shopping

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Aug 29, 2017

A group of MPs have published a letter asking Philip Hammond to reinstate duty-free sales once the UK leaves the European Union.

The measure, which was abolished by European Finance Ministers in 1999, could boost regional economies, offer a major boost to UK cruise ship ports and invigorate regional airports, according to the 40 Tory MPs who wrote the letter.

They called Philip Hammond to make changes now so that tax free sales can become a reality for British people travelling to and from the EU from day one of Brexit. According to estimates, it can take ferry firms and airport operators up to nine months to make the necessary changes.

Duty free sales could be an energising market opportunity for British duty free retailers, as British and European airports could sell again products to departing British/European tourists at tax free prices.

According to travel-retail trend analysis firm Counter Intelligence Retail, 130 million passengers travelled between the UK and the EU on scheduled flights in 2016 and 87% of all passengers were exposed to a Dufry-operated store.

“The return of duty-free would deliver a real boost to Britain,” said the letter, adding that it would make no sense for it not to apply to Europe after Brexit given that duty free applies to travel to the rest of the world.