UK government’s duty free consultation hailed “a step in the right direction”
The UK Travel Retail Forum (UKTRF) has welcomed the UK government’s Budget announcement of a consultation on the country’s post-Brexit duty and tax free regime.
“The consultation represents the clearest-yet opportunity for the travel retail industry to make clear the substantial economic and consumer benefits a fully-fledged duty and tax free post-Brexit regime could deliver for the UK,” the UKTRF said in a press release following the Budget announcement on March 11.
Francois Bourienne, Chair of the UKTRF, said: “The UK Travel Retail Forum welcomes the opportunity to respond to the government’s consultation on the post-Brexit duty and tax free regime.
“The return of duty and tax free sales for passengers traveling from the UK to the EU by air, sea or train will deliver substantial economic benefits and new jobs right across the UK, as well as delivering new options and experiences for travelers heading to the continent for work or leisure.
“A recently completed independent economic analysis has concluded the full return of duty and tax free sales in the aviation industry alone could contribute as much as £1.1 billion (US$1.4 billion) to the UK economy, and generate over 10,300 direct and indirect jobs up and down the country.
“The Chancellor’s announcement is a positive step forward, but the UKTRF is well aware of the work required in the months ahead to ensure we achieve the policy outcome the industry wants and needs in order to remain competitive with its EU counterparts.
“While UKTRF will, of course, be making a detailed submission on behalf of the industry, we will also be encouraging all of our members to put forward their own views as key contributors to the UK travel and transport sector.
“UKTRF has been a strong supporter of the return of duty and tax free after Brexit since the referendum of 2016. We appreciate the government’s willingness to engage with the industry on this important issue and will be working constructively with ministers and officials as the policy is developed.”
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