A Guide for Returning Travelers and Permitted Goods

As the summer season brings an increase in international travel, it's crucial for returning travelers to be aware of import regulations. Failure to comply with these rules can result in significant financial penalties. One area of particular importance concerns the items permitted in your luggage.

While certain food items like bread, biscuits, and chocolate are generally allowed without restrictions, other goods are subject to limitations or require declaration upon arrival. Government guidelines specify restrictions on importing meat, dairy, fish, animal products, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds into Great Britain from abroad. Additionally, products protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) may necessitate a permit.

Regulations regarding the import of meat, dairy, fish, and other animal products into Britain often depend on the country of origin. Currently, there is a temporary ban on importing certain meat and dairy products from EU nations into Great Britain for personal consumption. This measure aims to prevent the spread of diseases like foot and mouth, following recent outbreaks in Europe. Specifically, this ban includes products like sausages and dairy items such as butter, cheese, and yogurt.

However, travelers are generally permitted to bring fish, poultry, eggs, and honey from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland for personal use. Restrictions are slightly stricter for goods originating outside the EU, prohibiting the import of meat and meat products, as well as milk and milk-based products.

Exceptions to these rules exist, particularly for powdered infant milk, infant food, or items required for medical reasons. Travelers can also bring up to 2kg per person of powdered infant milk, infant food, or special food (including pet food) needed for medical reasons, provided it doesn't require refrigeration before use and is in branded, unopened packaging (unless currently in use). Other permitted items include shellfish, such as mussels or oysters, snails (preserved or shelled, cooked, and prepared), and frogs' legs (hind parts only, with skin and internal organs removed). Furthermore, travelers can bring up to 20kg per person of fish, including processed fish that is dried, cooked, cured, or smoked.