- Counterfeit luxury goods, coral, wildlife products and pepper spray can be confiscated
- Pepper spray is illegal in ireland despite being legal in other countries
- Cured meats, cheeses and traditional medicines are subject to import restrictions
- Travelers assume buying an item legally abroad means it can be brought back
- Travellers are urged to check customs regulations before packing suitcases
Customs experts have revealed the holiday souvenirs most likely to get travelers stopped at the airport, have their belongings confiscated or land them in legal trouble. The experts at international shipping company Cargo Force have provided insights into holiday souvenirs that could raise red flags with Border Force officers. Many travellers assume that if an item is legal to buy abroad it is automatically legal to bring back home, but that is not always the case.
The biggest risks include counterfeit luxury goods such as designer handbags from market stalls, imitation sunglasses from beach vendors or discounted luxury clothing, which can be seized by customs. Coral, shells and wildlife souvenirs including certain shells, coral, ivory items and products made from endangered species are protected under international conservation laws. Pepper spray is illegal to possess in Ireland despite being legally available in countries such as the United States and parts of Eastern Europe, with travellers often forgetting it is still in their bag when they fly home. Under the Firearms Act, it is classified as a prohibited weapon that discharges a noxious liquid.
Cured meats, speciality cheeses and other local food favourites can also run into trouble, with restrictions applying to meat and dairy products entering Ireland, particularly when they originate from outside the country. Traditional medicines and herbal remedies purchased abroad can contain ingredients that are restricted, controlled or prohibited in Ireland, despite being marketed as natural remedies overseas. Travellers are urged to check customs regulations before filling their suitcase with holiday purchases.
Asad Mirza, customs officer, shared: “Many travellers assume that if an item is legal to buy abroad it’s automatically legal to bring back into Ireland, but that’s not always the case. The problem is that if it’s counterfeit, customs can seize it when you get back to Ireland and a lot of travellers don’t realise that buying a fake handbag, watch or pair of sunglasses abroad could mean losing the item altogether. Food is one of the biggest areas where travellers get caught out because people naturally want to bring home local products they’ve enjoyed on holiday, but certain meat and dairy products are subject to import restrictions.”
