Importing to the UK: Beware of products! 🚨🇬🇧

IN BRIEF

New regulations since mid-April in the United Kingdom regarding the importation of food products.
Entry prohibition: meat, cold cuts, and dairy products (butter, cheese, yogurts) from the EU and the Schengen Area.
Reason: foot-and-mouth disease affecting local livestock.
Concerned products even if they come from duty free or are packaged.
The ban also includes sandwiches and prepared salads containing these products.
Exception: Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands are not affected by this measure.
Warning: fines of up to €6,000 for violations.

Are you dreaming of a delicious English picnic or a French snack on the lawn of Hyde Park? Be careful: crossing the Channel with certain food products can quickly turn into a misadventure! The rules for importing into the United Kingdom have become stricter, and it’s better to be well-informed before filling your suitcase with camembert or cold cuts… A new health regulation is disrupting your culinary cravings and travel plans. So, be particularly vigilant before preparing your baskets!

Planning a stay across the Channel? Before stuffing your suitcase with sweets and foods from elsewhere, you’ll need to revise your classics! Since mid-April, the United Kingdom has tightened its rules regarding the importation of many food products, mainly for health reasons. Meats, cold cuts, and dairy products from the European Union are now under scrutiny by the authorities. To avoid turning your getaway to England into a nightmarish episode, follow our advice and discover the essential things to know to avoid ending up with a hefty fine… or, worse, an prohibited sandwich at customs!

Foot-and-mouth disease: a regulation due to health urgency

Don’t think that the British are suddenly becoming capricious about gastronomy! If the borders are tightening, it’s due to a rampant epidemic of foot-and-mouth disease hitting the country’s livestock. Since spring, a whole range of seemingly harmless foods—meats, cold cuts, cheeses, yogurts, and butters coming from the Schengen Area (including Switzerland)—are simply banned from your suitcases. And, just a friendly note: even airport packaged products or duty free items do not escape the rule! It is easier to see why preparing a trip has become a real adventure (and if you are also preparing a trip to Japan, be sure to check this list of essentials to prepare).

Surprises on the plate… even in sandwiches!

Don’t think you can cheat by hiding a slice of ham or cheese in your sandwich: the ban applies to snacks and salads containing the infamous products “under scrutiny.” However, babies are in luck: baby formula is still allowed. For everyone else, it will be necessary to forget the traditional picnic break on the British side or, at least, be creative with the contents of your lunch baskets!

Serious sanctions… and geographical exceptions

Did you think the biggest risk was having a slice of salami stolen? Think again! Anyone who ignores or neglects these new measures is at risk of fines reaching up to €6,000! It’s better to check your bag before passing through customs, or else you might see your sandwich turn into a giant receipt. However, note that this rule is not universal: you can continue to travel without constraints with your ham sandwich if you are heading to Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands. Here are some destinations where lunch breaks remain sacred!

How long will these rules last?

Rest assured, everything suggests that this ban is only temporary. As soon as the authorities gain control over foot-and-mouth disease, it may once again be possible to share continental dishes on the other side of the Channel. Until then, patience and caution are necessary for gourmet travelers! Don’t hesitate to keep yourself informed about the latest developments and check news on health restrictions according to your destination.

Practical tips for preparing your trip to the United Kingdom #

Anticipate and adapt your suitcase!

The motto: better safe than sorry – or pay! Before crossing the Channel, be sure to revise your checklist: no fresh products or “homemade” cold cuts. Prefer authorized snacks or explore local specialties… after all, culinary discovery is also part of the journey. If the world is changing (which even influences destination choices, an interesting reflection on the impact of politics on tourism), you will likely need to adapt your habits and leave the reblochon cheese at home.

Focus on information and creativity

Sometimes, a simple search before departure can prevent all inconveniences. Check official sites, ask your airline, or read our inspiring articles to organize a custom trip safely. Even better: why not share your adventure online? Some travel companies are now marketing their escapades on innovative platforms, as seen in this feedback on TikTok Shop.

Traveling informed means traveling happily! #

A constantly evolving tourism environment

The health, political, or social context: the tourism sector has never been so fluid. Between border closures, food restrictions, and security measures, stay connected to the news, whether for the United Kingdom or other destinations. To better understand the reality of travel today, discover enlightening viewpoints such as the one on the international reality of tourism. And remember, even if the taste for travel changes, the spirit of adventure will never be imported vacuum-packed!