Food security

It is now prohibited to transport meat and dairy products into the UK

Publié le 16 avril 2025 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Since 12 April, travelers from the European Union can no longer enter the United Kingdom with meat or dairy products in their luggage. Update on this measure.

Sandwich, cheese, cold cuts, raw meat (cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, sheep), dairy products : since 12 April, travelers entering the United Kingdom can no longer transport these goods for personal consumption, whether they are packaged, vacuum-packed or purchased in a tax-free zone.

This measure was taken by the UK Government to protect the agricultural sector, while foot and mouth disease have increased in Europe. In early 2025, it had already introduced restrictions on the personal import of meat and dairy products from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria.

If you have this type of food in your bag, you will have to hand it over to customs. Otherwise, you may be fined up to £5,000 (around €5,900) in the most serious cases.

Please note

The legislation provides for cases of exemption, on limited quantities, in particular for milk intended for infants and products for medical use. Chocolate, confectionery, bread, cakes and pasta are still allowed.

To learn more about restrictions on food entering the UK, you can visit the dedicated page of the british government.

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