Duty-free shop

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Duty Free redirects here. For the British situation comedy, see Duty Free (TV series)

Duty-free shops (or stores) are retail outlets that do not apply local or national taxes and duties. They are often found in the customs zones of international airports, ports or other international means of transport.

These outlets were abolished for travel within the European Union (EU) in 1999 but are retained for travellers whose final destination is outside the EU. Some special member state territories such as Åland and the Canary Islands, however, are within the EU but outside the EU tax union, and thus still continue duty-free sales.

The concept of duty-free shopping was popularized by two American entrepreneurs, Charles Feeney and Robert W. Miller, who created the corporation "Duty-Free Shops" on November 7, 1960. Beginning in Hong Kong and spreading from there to Europe and America, the corporation eventually grew into a worldwide enterprise. Robert Miller sold his stake in this corporation in 1996 for £954 million.[1]

The first Duty-Free Liquor counter at London Airport, by Fortes Caterers, was opened 9 December 1959. Without duty, a bottle of Whiskey cost only 21/- or $3.

Duty-free shops are also a mainstay in the Akihabara electronic shopping district of Tokyo.

Duty Free prices for any given article can vary greatly in Duty Free Shops around the world. The Duty Free Price Guide: [2] (A free public service site) shows some of these price variations.

For a comprehensive list of Duty Free Shops worldwide go to The Duty Free Shopping Index: [3]