Food you can and can’t bring in from abroad

If you're travelling from outside the EU

It is illegal to bring all meat and meat products, milk or dairy products and potatoes into the UK from countries outside the EU in your luggage, even for personal use. Limited quantities of some food products including fish, eggs and honey, may be allowed from certain countries. For more information on these and the rules in general you can check the website or call the helpline.

If you're travelling within the EU

You can bring in any meat, dairy or other food products, as long as they are free from diseases and for your own consumption.

What to do when you arrive back If you're not carrying illegal food

You can walk through the Green Channel on arrival and this is a declaration that you have nothing illegal in your luggage. So if you have illegal food products, you will have committed an offence.

If you're carrying illegal food

Declare it to Customs in the Red Channel or by using the Red Point phone. If you go through the Green Channel and Customs officers find illegal food products, they will take them away to be destroyed and you could be arrested and prosecuted which may result in a fine or imprisonment.

If you think you may be carrying illegal food

You should go to the Red Channel or use the Red Point phone and tell Customs about your food product. If your product is illegal they will take it away from you, but you will not get into trouble or receive a fine.

If you want to check the rules

Limited quantities of some food products including fish, eggs and honey, may be allowed from certain countries

For more information on these and the rules in general you can either check here or call the helpline on 08459 33 55 77 from within or +4420 7238 6951 from outside the UK.