Border Force in the UK will check for banned foods coming into the UK from the EU with massive fines possible(Image: izusek via Getty Images)
UK holidaymakers returning this October half term have been issued a stern warning about potential £5,000 fines for bringing everyday items back through customs – even if purchased in EU airports or duty-free shops. This comes as a result of an outbreak of disease on the continent, leading to the government imposing bans on certain items being brought back.
This means that travellers from popular destinations such as Spain, France, Italy and Greece are prohibited from bringing any food into the country, with officials threatening to impose hefty £5,000 fines.
The introduction of these rules has led some travel experts to express concerns about added confusion this October when the new ‘entry/exit’ (EES) system comes into effect from 12th October, requiring people travelling to Europe to provide more data, including fingerprints, and with some countries introducing new rules on issues such as proof of travel insurance.
The ban on food imports from the EU to the UK is due to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD), following a surge in cases across Europe, and is an attempt to prevent it from infecting animals in the UK.
This means that simple items which people would typically pack without a second thought, such as sandwiches, cheese and snacks like croissants, could potentially cause problems.
Holidaymakers have been issued a stark warning about potential penalties reaching £5,000 for attempting to transport certain goods through customs – even when purchased from duty-free outlets. Current legislation states that travellers discovered carrying items including sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats or milk will be stopped at border control.
6 items banned from flights into the UK from EUAll cheeses soft, hard or processed: Examples include brie and camembert, which are popular French varieties; mozzarella and parmesan, often associated with Italy; and manchego, a traditional Spanish favouriteAll meat products including cured, cooked or packaged types like salami, pâté, typical in France; chorizo and Jamón from Spain; or parma ham and prosciutto, commonly eaten in ItalyMilk, yoghurt, butter, cream and other dairy itemsFood items containing meat or dairy like sandwichesBaked goodsSalad
The forthcoming ‘entry/exit’ (EES) system is scheduled to launch on 12 October, coinciding perfectly with the October half-term holiday rush. Recent polling suggests growing numbers of Britons remain confused about what’s actually allowed under these regulations.
This new framework will require all EU-bound travellers to submit biometric data including fingerprints, whilst certain nations like France are also introducing tougher border measures covering areas such as travel insurance and financial status verification.
Travel specialist Jane Bolton from boutique ski holiday company Erna Low cautioned: “You may think that a wedge of local cheese or a pack of cured meats is a harmless holiday treat, especially if it’s sealed and purchased at a duty-free shop. But under current biosecurity laws, meat and dairy products are banned from being brought into Great Britain from the EU or other restricted regions.
“If in doubt, don’t bring it. The rules apply even if the items are commercially packaged or unopened. You’ll be expected to dispose of banned foods at the border and in some cases, may face fines of up to £5,000 for non-compliance. If you’re unsure, visit the UK government’s official guidelines before packing.
“Grabbing a sandwich, pastry or cheese toastie before your flight might seem like a good idea, but if you don’t finish it before landing, you could be in breach of import rules. Even leftovers in your hand luggage are subject to restrictions.”
Authorities have cautioned that individuals discovered carrying these products must either hand them over at the border or have them confiscated and disposed of.
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner declared during the launch: “This government will do whatever it takes to protect British farmers from foot and mouth. That is why we are further strengthening protections by introducing restrictions on personal meat and dairy imports to prevent the spread of the disease and protect Britain’s food security.”
The UKHSA has delivered a stark warning: “Those found with these items will need to either surrender them at the border or will have them seized and destroyed. In serious cases, those found with these items run the risk of incurring fines of up to £5,000 in England.”
You are permitted to bring the following items into Great Britain from any nation without limitations:.