Advice for travellers
Personal food import rules vary depending on the type of food and whether it comes from inside or outside the EU, and are designed to protect public health by limiting what can be brought into the UK for personal use.
Personal food imports
Different rules apply when bringing food into the UK depending on the type of food and whether it comes from inside or outside the European Union. These controls help protect public health by preventing the spread of diseases. Personal imports must be for your own use only and cannot be resold. Food may be carried in your luggage or received as a parcel from abroad.
Food from EU countries
You may bring a reasonable amount of food from EU countries for personal use. For large amounts, Customs may ask you to confirm that the food is not for resale. These rules also apply to fish and shellfish from Iceland and Norway, and to meat and milk products from Norway.
Food from outside the EU
Most meat, milk and related products from non EU countries cannot be brought into the UK. There are also restrictions on items such as fish, shellfish, potatoes, eggs, egg products and honey. If you bring prohibited items or exceed limits, they will be seized and destroyed.
If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, you should speak to HMRC by going through the Red Channel or the “Something to Declare” route. Declaring items avoids penalties, while failing to declare may result in delays, fines or prosecution.
Powdered infant formula, baby food and specialist medical foods are permitted if they are sealed, commercially produced, and do not require refrigeration before opening.
Before you travel
Rules change regularly, so always check the latest guidance before travelling.
Advice for businesses
Businesses importing food must follow strict UK and EU safety regulations, ensuring their suppliers are reliable and that all products especially those of animal origin meet legal requirements, with detailed guidance available from the Food Standards Agency and DEFRA.
Overview of commercial food imports
Businesses importing food must follow a wide range of regulations, including those that apply to specific products and general food safety requirements. Importers are responsible for ensuring that food brought into the UK from outside the EU meets all relevant UK and EU hygiene and safety laws.
Responsibilities of importers
You must ensure your suppliers are trustworthy and that you hold their full contact details. All imported food must comply with the law, and importers are legally responsible for the safety of the products they bring into the UK.
Animal origin food controls
Additional strict controls apply to meat, fish, dairy, eggs, honey and other foods of animal origin imported from outside the EU. These products must enter the UK through an approved Border Inspection Post, come from an authorised establishment, and be accompanied by the correct documentation and an identifiable approval number.
Guidance and support
Detailed commercial import guidance, including frequently asked questions, is available on the Food Standards Agency website. Importers of products of animal origin from outside the EU must also contact the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for further advice.