The European Union Cash declaration scheme came into effect in all EU Member States on 15 June 2007.

The European Union Cash declaration scheme came into effect in all EU Member States on 15 June 2007. Anyone entering an EU country from a non-EU country, or travelling from an EU country to a non-EU country, and carrying €10,000 or more (or the equivalent in other currencies) will be required to declare the cash at the place of their departure from, or arrival in, the EU.

This new anti-money laundering regulation derives from European Parliament and Council Regulation No. 1889/2005. Forms on which to make the declaration will be available at ports or airports, and will also be downloadable from EU revenue internet sites. Travellers could face penalties if they fail to comply with the obligation to declare or provide incorrect or incomplete information.

"The declaration system is one means of providing information to assist in targeting movements of criminal cash more effectively," said Dave Humphries Head of Criminal and Enforcement Policy at the UK’s HM Revenue & Customs.

No declaration will be required for people travelling between EU countries. These are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, (including the Canary Islands), Sweden, and the UK (not including the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands).