Travelling abroad?
Did you know that it's illegal to bring any meat or dairy food products - and many other food and plant items - into the United Kingdom from countries outside the European Union? It doesn't matter whether they're vacuum packed, tinned or in a sealed packet - you can't bring them into the country.
What are the penalties?
It's no joke if you are caught trying to smuggle illegal or restricted foods into the United Kingdom. Besides the hassle of being severely delayed going through customs, you could face a fine - or even prosecution. If you declare illegal items to Customs in the red channel the goods will be seized and destroyed, but you will not face a penalty. Remember, most of the foods you might wish to bring in can already be found in the United Kingdom, so why take the risk?
Why have rules?
Why could these foods be dangerous? Well, meat, milk, fish, shellfish and plants can all carry pests and diseases. Import controls are in place to protect public health, our farming livestock and crops and our environment from exotic pests and diseases such as Foot and Mouth disease and Bird Flu.
