By If you’re travelling by ferry between the UK and the EU, DFDS duty free offers a great opportunity to enjoy tax-free shopping at sea. Whether you’re crossing the English Channel or heading to the continent, DFDS Seaways gives passengers access to exclusive savings on alcohol, perfume, tobacco, cosmetics, and gifts.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about duty free shopping with DFDS—including what you can buy, how it works post-Brexit, duty free allowances, and the best tips to shop smart on board in 2025.
What Is DFDS Duty Free?
DFDS Seaways reintroduced duty free shopping in 2021 following the UK’s departure from the EU. Passengers travelling on international routes (UK ↔ EU) are now eligible to shop VAT-free and excise duty-free, resulting in significant savings compared to high street prices.
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What Can You Buy in DFDS Duty Free Shops?
DFDS ships feature Sea Shop stores offering a wide variety of discounted goods:
Popular Categories:
- Alcohol: Spirits, wine, beer, champagne
- Tobacco: Cigarettes, cigars, rolling tobacco
- Perfume & Aftershave: Top brands at discounted prices
- Cosmetics & Skincare: Designer makeup and beauty sets
- Gifts & Souvenirs: Chocolates, local goods, branded merchandise
- Toiletries & Travel Essentials: Great for last-minute needs
DFDS Routes with Duty Free Shopping
Duty free is available on routes between the UK and the EU, such as:
| Route | Duty Free Available? |
| Dover ↔ Calais | Yes |
| Dover ↔ Dunkirk | Yes |
| Newcastle ↔ Amsterdam | Yes |
| Newhaven ↔ Dieppe | Yes |
Note: Routes between EU countries (e.g., Amsterdam ↔ France) do not qualify for duty free.
How Much Can You Save?
Savings can be up to 50% off UK high street prices, especially on:
- Spirits (e.g., gin, whiskey, vodka)
- Perfumes from brands like Dior, Chanel, Hugo Boss
- Cigarettes and tobacco products
- Bulk purchases of wine or beer
Example:
- 1L of branded vodka – £11.50 on board vs. £20+ retail
- Designer perfumes – up to 40% off
Duty Free Allowances (UK to EU & vice versa)
Make sure you don’t exceed your personal allowance limits:
UK to EU:
- Alcohol: 4L spirits or 9L sparkling wine
- Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars
- Other goods: Up to €430 in value (air/sea travellers)
EU to UK (as of 2025):
- Alcohol:
4L spirits or 9L sparkling wine
18L still wine
42L beer
- Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco
- Other goods: Up to £390 (per adult)
Tip: You can mix and match items within categories.
Do You Need a Passport or Boarding Pass?
Yes. Duty free purchases are only allowed for passengers with international travel tickets. Keep your boarding pass and passport handy during your onboard shopping.
DFDS Duty Free Pre-Order (Coming Soon on Select Routes)
Some DFDS routes are trialing click & collect systems:
- Browse online before travel
- Reserve items in advance
- Collect them onboard or at port-side duty free shops
Check the DFDS website or app for availability on your route.
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Conclusion
Whether you’re heading to France, the Netherlands, or back to the UK, DFDS duty free shopping lets you grab great deals at sea. From discounted spirits and perfumes to gifts and snacks, it’s one of the best parts of travelling by ferry in 2025.
Sail smarter, shop better, and enjoy the savings with DFDS duty free.
FAQs
1. Is duty free available on all DFDS routes?
Only on international ferry routes between the UK and the EU—e.g., Dover–Calais, Newcastle–Amsterdam.
2. Do you really save money in DFDS duty free?
Yes! Savings of 30% to 50% are common on alcohol, cigarettes, perfumes, and beauty products.
3. Can I bring duty free alcohol into the UK?
Yes, up to your allowance (e.g., 4L spirits, 18L wine, 42L beer). Exceeding these may incur duty charges.
4. Do DFDS ships have large shops?
Most ships feature well-stocked Sea Shops, especially on longer routes like Newcastle ↔ Amsterdam.
5. Can I pay by card on board?
Yes. DFDS accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and contactless payments on all ships.
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