Personal imports from non European Union countries
Information on imports of animal products, for personal use, that have been purchased in non European Union (EU) countries (not including Norway and the Canary Islands).
Personal import limits for Non EU countries
Implementation of Community Rules on imports of Products of Animal Origin (POAO) for Personal Consumption
All imports of meat, meat products, milk and milk products must fully comply with the requirements for veterinary checks. This includes imports in personal baggage and small packages sent to individuals for personal consumption. This means they must:
- come from approved establishments in approved countries;
- only be imported at designated points of entry into the EU*;
- be accompanied by valid veterinary certification;
- meet requirements to pre-notify the intended import;
- on arrival be presented for official checks;
- have charges for the checks paid.
Products discovered not to have been imported in compliance with the rules above, will be confiscated and either destroyed or re-exported. The penalties for smuggling food or plants into the UK can be, on conviction, a sentence up to 2 years imprisonment and a fine of £2000.
*This allows for Member States to designate entry points other than Border Inspection Posts (BIPs) for the control of imports of meat, meat products, milk and milk products in personal baggage or sent as small packages. We intend to continue to require these products to be presented at a BIP.