Travellers
Every traveller entering the Network passes a customs post. Most carry nothing that needs to be declared and pass through the green channel without stopping. This page explains what must be declared, how the red and green channels work, and what happens at the red channel. The allowances themselves, and the reliefs for people moving to the Network, are set out in full on the Duties and Allowances page.
The rules on this page apply from Monday 7 September 2026 at every passenger post of the Customs Service: the road crossings at Northgate, Eastfield and Westbrook, Southbank Quay, Meridian Rail Crossing and Central Exchange Aerodrome. They replace the separate allowances that member organisations applied before establishment.
Arriving in the Network. The steps below describe what to do at the customs post.
Step 1: Check what you are carrying
Before you reach the customs post, decide whether anything you carry is above the allowances, is listed as a declared good, or is restricted. Goods for your own use within the allowances, and your personal effects, need no declaration.
Step 2: Choose the channel
Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare. Use the red channel if you have goods above the allowances, goods listed as declared goods, restricted goods, cash above the threshold, or if you are unsure. Choosing the green channel is itself a declaration that you have nothing to declare.
Step 3: Declare at the red channel
Tell the officer what you have and show it if asked. The officer records the declaration on the short form and either clears the goods, assesses the duty due, or asks for the permit or certificate that a restricted good requires.
Step 4: Pay any duty due
Duty on goods above the allowance is normally assessed at the simplified rate of 10 per cent of value, plus excise on alcohol and tobacco above the quantity allowances. Payment is by card at the post. You receive a receipt by email.
Step 5: Keep your receipt
The receipt is evidence that the goods have been cleared and duty paid. It may be asked for if you leave and re-enter the Network with the same goods.
What must be declared. Personal effects and goods for your own use within the allowances need no declaration. The goods below must be declared at the red channel whatever the reason for carrying them.
| Goods | When | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Goods above the allowances | Any goods above the value or quantity allowances | Duty at the simplified rate; excise on alcohol and tobacco |
| A single item worth more than 1,000 credits | Whether or not it is within the value allowance | Recorded; duty only if above the allowance |
| Medicines beyond a personal supply | More than you need for the length of your stay | Prescription or confirmation from the prescriber |
| Animals, including pets | Every animal | Health certificate issued within the preceding ten days |
| Plants, seeds and soil | Every plant and every quantity | Plant health certificate |
| Meat and dairy products | All meat and dairy, and other food beyond what you consume on the journey | None for personal use; may be examined |
| Tools and equipment for work | Tools and instruments carried for use at a place of work | Recorded so that they may be carried back; regular travellers may register them with the Borders Authority |
| Cash and bearer instruments | Above the threshold set by the Currency Office | Declaration recorded and passed to the Currency Office |
| Firearms, hazardous materials, controlled substances | Any quantity | Permit from the department concerned; refused without one |
Questions from travellers. The answers below cover the questions most often put to officers during the transition period.
The lists of goods that may not enter the Network, and of goods that need a permit or certificate, are on the Prohibited and Restricted Goods page. Further questions are answered on the frequently asked questions page, or may be sent to contact@customs.gov.vin before you travel.