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UK Extends EU Meat and Dairy Personal-Import Ban Into 2026

Ministers say the curb stays in place pending a lower biosecurity risk.

Overview

  • DEFRA confirmed travellers entering Great Britain from EU countries cannot bring in meat from cattle, sheep, goats, pigs or venison, or any dairy products, for personal use.
  • Border Force will seize and destroy prohibited items, and serious breaches can lead to fines of up to £5,000 in England.
  • The rules apply regardless of packaging or duty-free purchase, covering items such as sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meat and milk.
  • Limited exemptions remain for small quantities of infant milk, medical foods and certain composite packaged products such as chocolate, bread, cakes, biscuits and pasta.
  • Officials say the measures guard against foot-and-mouth disease and also reduce risks from other animal illnesses including African swine fever, sheep pox, goat pox, peste des petits ruminants and lumpy skin disease.