Thousands of Brits could be unknowingly breaking UK customs rules every time they post items, and it could land them a fine of up to £2,500.

New analysis by shipping specialists Cargo Force reveals a surge in people searching whether everyday items are allowed to be posted, suggesting confusion over UK customs rules.

And alcohol is one of the biggest risk areas. Searches for posting alcohol have jumped by 170% this year, with wine among the most commonly queried items.

Many Brits wrongly assume that sending multiple bottles of wine as a gift is allowed, when it could breach customs rules. Asad Mirza, shipping expert and CEO at Cargo Force, warned that even innocent mistakes can be costly.

“Thousands of Brits are confused about what they can and can’t deliver themselves. Whether it’s the excitement of posting a gift to family or shipping personal belongings abroad, the risk of not knowing the rules is high.

“If your delivery is stopped, customs officers will decide the penalty based on individual circumstances. The minimum is £250, which is usually the first step. However, the fine can quickly rise to £2,500 depending on the severity.”

UK customs officers seized more than 3.3 million litres of alcohol last year alone. And while much of this was linked to businesses, we know that Brits sending gifts or moving belongings abroad have also been caught out.

Asad Mirza urged anyone posting items abroad to check the rules carefully before sending anything: “A quick search could save you a huge fine, and the cost of your parcel.”

Five items Brits don’t realise can be seized by customs

Alcohol (wine, spirits, beer)

Sending alcohol without the correct paperwork or duty paid can lead to seizure or fines of up to £2,500, even when it’s a gift. The safety risk of flammable liquids during transit poses significant safety risks. The confusion and uncertainty result in more than 10,200 annual Google searches made for specific alcohol-postage-related queries.

Perfume and aftershave

Perfumes are classified as hazardous materials due to their high alcohol content, making them flammable. If they leak or are exposed to heat, pressure or sparks during transportation, they can ignite. So, if you’re planning on moving abroad with your perfume collection, think again.

Cigarettes and tobacco

As one of the most commonly seized items by customs, Brits often attempt to send cigarettes or tobacco without declaration, or go over their allowance limit. Many countries strictly control their importation of tobacco, so risking sending these abroad can result in penalties or fines of up to £10,000.

Nail polish remover

Planning on doing your own nails abroad? Or maybe you’ve found the perfect product on holiday? Think twice about shipping it home. Once again, this everyday beauty product is generally prohibited across most couriers as its flammable qualities can be a major hazard.

Electric toothbrushes

Shipping your new electric toothbrush is prohibited due to its lithium battery. Similar to power banks, the risk of battery-powered devices during transit is high. There is a chance of them catching fire or exploding on the way.