Travelling abroad
Did you know that it’s illegal to bring any meat or dairy products into the United Kingdom (UK) from countries outside the European Union? It doesn’t matter whether they’re vacuum packed, tinned or in a sealed packet – you can’t bring them into the country. There are also strict rules on certain other food products such as fish, shellfish, honey, fruits and vegetables. Use the ‘Can I bring it back?’ food checker on the right.
What are the penalties?
It’s no joke if you are caught trying to smuggle illegal or restricted foods into the UK. Besides the hassle of being severely delayed going through customs, your food products will be seized and destroyed and you risk facing prosecution. If you declare illegal items to Customs in the red channel the goods will be seized and destroyed, but you will not face a penalty. Remember, most of the foods you might wish to bring in can already be found in the UK, so why take the risk?
Why have rules?
Food, in particular meat and dairy products, can carry pests and diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease and Bird Flu. These controls are therefore in place to protect public health, our farming livestock and crops and the environment from these exotic pests and diseases. So check the rules before you travel and don’t let an outbreak in.
Watch the video
Watch our film highlighting the risks travellers face if they bring illegal food products into the UK, which was launched in August 2008.
