As in other periods, as long as governments imposed restrictions on imports, people tried to smuggle goods. New 20th century transport methods, particularly international air travel and the Channel Tunnel, have made smuggling easier.

In the early 20th century import duties on brandy, gin and cigarettes meant it was worth smuggling them. Then the increased demand for illegal drugs, and the huge amounts of money to be made, attracted smugglers. By the end of the century, immigration restrictions created the most bizarre smuggling of all: human beings wanting to enter Britain.