BRUSSELS — Many passengers traveling between Brussels and London on the Eurostar train remain surprisingly unaware of the stricter customs rules that apply to items purchased in the United Kingdom, despite multiple warnings and reminders from both Eurostar and Belgian authorities.
The confusion stems from the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, which transformed the Brussels-Midi station into an EU border post. Kristian Vanderwaeren, the general administrator of customs, highlighted the ongoing issue during a press event at the Brussels-Midi station.
“Every day we see passengers are still unaware that the Brussels-Midi railway station is now an EU border,” Vanderwaeren told The Brussels Times. “People still travel with plants and fruit, which cannot be brought into the EU. Others buy expensive things and then find out they have to pay taxes on it upon arrival.”
Despite efforts to inform travelers through pamphlets and warnings on the Eurostar website, many continue to misunderstand the distinction between shopping in London and in EU cities like Paris or Amsterdam.
Passengers arriving from London can choose between the ‘green lane’ for declaring nothing or the ‘red lane’ for declaring goods. However, during a recent inspection observed by local media, no passengers opted for the red lane, underscoring the lack of awareness about the rules.
Shauny, a customs officer with six years of experience at Brussels-Midi, confirmed that few passengers seem to know about the regulations.
“But these have been in place for some years now. It is up to passengers to be informed,” she stated. She also noted that some travelers become frustrated when pulled aside for checks, which occasionally leads to interventions by customs staff.
One passenger, Nicole, expressed surprise at the checks. “I was not aware I would be checked. I also assumed the rules on purchases were the same as in airports,” she said while her suitcase was being inspected.
Others, worried about making connecting trains, seemed equally unprepared for the delays caused by customs checks, which include inspections by sniffer dogs.
Current regulations stipulate that goods worth more than €300 (€150 for those under 15) must be declared, a lower threshold than the €430 limit for those arriving by sea or air. Restrictions also apply to tobacco, alcohol, and certain food products.
Meat, dairy items, and products that may harm the environment, such as ivory or coral, are strictly prohibited. Cash amounts exceeding €10,000 must also be declared, or passengers risk fines of up to €1,000.
Finance Ministry data revealed that of the nearly 9,000 people checked upon arrival at Brussels-Midi in 2024, around 235 were found in violation of customs rules.
Common infractions included undeclared goods, prohibited food items, and, in some cases, drugs and large amounts of cash. Customs officials reported seizing both hard drugs and significant sums of money, which are then handed over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for further investigation.
Meanwhile, passengers traveling from the EU to the UK should prepare for additional changes: starting April 2, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will be required. Applications for the new travel document opened on March 5, marking another post-Brexit adjustment for cross-channel travelers.
