Tuesday, August 5, 2025
The UK has recently introduced stringent new customs regulations that ban travelers from bringing certain meat and dairy products into the country, amid growing concerns over the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). From meat and cheese to sandwiches and milk, holidaymakers returning from Europe are now at risk of being fined up to £5,000 for trying to bring prohibited items through customs.
As part of the government’s efforts to protect the UK’s agriculture industry and prevent the disease from affecting British livestock, travelers are now prohibited from bringing items like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, and raw meats from EU countries such as France, Spain, Italy, and Greece, as well as from countries experiencing outbreaks of FMD.
In addition to the UK, other countries like Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria have also implemented similar meat and dairy bans to control the spread of FMD. These nations have imposed temporary restrictions on the import of animal products, with the European Union stepping in to enforce these measures across its member states. For travelers heading to the UK, understanding these rules and ensuring they comply with the new regulations is crucial to avoid fines and penalties at the border.
Countries with Similar Restrictions:United Kingdom: As of April 12, 2025, travelers are prohibited from bringing meat and dairy products from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use. This includes items like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, and milk, regardless of packaging or purchase location, even those bought at duty-free shops.Germany: Following an outbreak of FMD detected in water buffalo near Berlin, Germany has faced international trade restrictions. Countries such as South Korea and Mexico have imposed bans on German meat and dairy products.Hungary: In response to FMD outbreaks, Hungary has had restrictions placed on its meat and dairy exports. The European Union has imposed temporary bans on Hungarian meat and dairy products to prevent the spread of the disease.Slovakia: Similar to Hungary, Slovakia has experienced FMD outbreaks, leading to temporary bans on its meat and dairy exports by the European Union. These measures aim to contain the disease and protect other countries’ agricultural sectors.Austria: Austria has also faced FMD outbreaks, resulting in temporary restrictions on its meat and dairy products. The European Union has imposed these measures to prevent the spread of the disease within the region.What’s Changed? New Customs Rules in Response to Foot and Mouth Disease
Earlier this year, the UK introduced tougher regulations for travelers returning from EU countries affected by outbreaks of foot and mouth disease (FMD). This highly contagious viral disease affects cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed animals, posing a significant threat to the agriculture industry and the livelihoods of British farmers. Although FMD does not affect humans, the potential economic damage to livestock production and the UK food supply is severe. In response, the UK government has taken stringent measures to protect its borders and reduce the risk of disease transmission.
As part of this effort, holidaymakers returning to the UK from countries such as Spain, France, Italy, and Greece—which have experienced recent outbreaks—must ensure they are not carrying meat or dairy products in their luggage. These new restrictions apply to all travelers entering Great Britain, including those from the EU.
What Items Are Banned and Why?
The key items that travelers are now prohibited from bringing into the UK include:
Sandwiches, including those made with meat, cheese, or other dairy products.Cured meats, including ham, salami, and other types of preserved meat.Raw meats, such as beef, pork, lamb, and poultry.Milk and dairy products, including cheese, butter, and yogurt.
Even if these products are wrapped, packaged, or bought at duty-free stores, they are still subject to confiscation at the border. In cases where travelers are caught carrying these prohibited items, they will be required to surrender them, and in serious cases, may face a fine of up to £5,000.
Few More UK Customs & Border Restrictions in 2025Post-Brexit Border Controls: The UK has implemented the third phase of its post-Brexit border rules, requiring businesses moving goods from the EU to the UK to submit detailed safety and security declarations. This aims to facilitate “intelligent risking” of goods at the border, minimizing delays for legitimate goods while filtering illegal and dangerous items. However, some smaller businesses have criticized these rules as overly burdensome.Customs Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2025: This measure introduces various changes to customs rules, including simplifications and other changes that apply when goods are imported or exported. It also establishes a new authorisation scheme for certain foreign postal operators providing services in Great Britain, allowing them to continue to access declaration simplifications while ensuring appropriate control.Border Strategy and Infrastructure Standards: The UK Border Strategy outlines a vision for the UK border to be the most effective in the world, embracing innovation, simplifying processes for traders and travellers, and improving security and biosecurity. This includes the development of a Single Trade Window, implementation of an Electronic Travel Authorisation, and a major review of border agencies and checks. Additionally, the Border Force Infrastructure Standards set out requirements for border infrastructure and facilities at ports.Temporary Admission and Customs Declarations: The UK has updated its customs technical handbook to provide guidance on declarations by crossing the border by any other act. This includes changes to how goods can be declared to HMRC for customs purposes in certain circumstances, such as temporary admission procedures and transit procedures.Asylum Seeker Returns Agreement with France: The UK has signed a new bilateral deal with France, introducing a “one in, one out” pilot scheme for returning asylum seekers arriving via small boats. This allows the UK to send back about 50 people per week who arrived illegally by small boat, in exchange for accepting others directly from France via a legal route. The pilot runs until June 2026 and will prioritize those most at risk, with thorough documentation and security checks.How the New Regulations Impact Business and Leisure Travel
For business travelers, these new regulations add another layer of complexity to international travel. Many professionals returning from Europe for meetings, conferences, or other business purposes might unknowingly attempt to bring back snacks or gifts for colleagues that violate the new customs rules. Bringing back items from duty-free shops could also lead to delays or penalties if they contain banned products.
For tourists, especially those who might purchase local delicacies such as cheese or meats from their travels in places like France or Italy, these new rules could lead to inconvenience or disappointment if they are caught with prohibited goods at customs. Additionally, holidaymakers should be cautious when packing food items as souvenirs, as the fines and potential confiscations could ruin the travel experience.
What Happens If You Get Caught?
If you are caught bringing banned food items into the UK, the consequences could include:
Seizure of the items: Authorities will confiscate the prohibited items and dispose of them appropriately.£5,000 fine: In more serious cases, travelers could be fined up to £5,000 for attempting to import these goods. This fine serves as a deterrent against violations and emphasizes the importance of following the new customs regulations.Possible delays: Even if the violation is not deemed severe enough for a fine, travelers can expect to experience delays at customs while the items are inspected.How to Avoid Fines and Stay Compliant
To avoid the risk of a fine or having your items confiscated, here are some simple steps travelers can take:
Check what you can bring: Before traveling, check the official UK government website or consult with UK border control for a list of restricted items. Make sure you are aware of what is allowed.Avoid bringing food products: If you’re traveling to the UK from an affected region, avoid packing sandwiches, meats, or dairy products in your luggage. Opt for non-perishable souvenirs like local wines, chocolates, or spices instead.Dispose of prohibited items before departure: If you are already abroad and have duty-free food items that may be restricted, it’s best to dispose of them or leave them behind to avoid issues at customs.Educate fellow travelers: Make sure family members or friends traveling with you are aware of the restrictions to avoid accidental violations.Exceptions and Exemptions
Not all food products are banned, and there are some exceptions to these restrictions. For example:
Baby formula and medicinal foods are permitted.Certain composite food items, such as chocolate, sweets, bread, cakes, biscuits, and pasta, are allowed.
If you are unsure whether a specific item is allowed, it’s best to check with UK customs before traveling. Always choose alternatives that are less likely to cause delays or issues.
Conclusion: Travel Smart and Stay Informed
As the UK tightens its customs regulations in response to the foot and mouth disease outbreaks in Europe, travelers must remain vigilant about what they bring back into the country. Whether you’re a business traveler or a tourist, the new customs rules could impact your journey, leading to fines or the confiscation of items. By staying informed and adhering to the guidelines, travelers can ensure a smooth return without unexpected delays or penalties. Always check the official UK government resources before traveling to ensure you are fully compliant with the latest regulations.
