Meat and dairy imports in the United Kingdom (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Since 12 April 2025 most meat and all dairy are banned from EU countries, with 2 kg of infant milk and special foods allowed. From outside the EU, meat and milk products are banned.

RuleWhat applies
Meat and dairy from EU statesPersonal travelPartly banned [1]
Meat and dairy from non-EU countriesPersonal travelNot allowed as a personal import [1]
Infant milk and medical food allowancePersonal travel2 kg [1]
Fish allowance from non-EU countriesPersonal travel20 kg [1]
Origins with looser rulesPersonal travelNorthern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man [2]

Notes

  • Banned: cheese, milk and dairy such as butter and yoghurt; pork, beef, lamb, mutton, goat and venison and their products. Fish, poultry and eggs are allowed for personal use. The ban started on 12 April 2025.
  • Exceptions: powdered infant milk, infant food and special medical food (2 kg). Honey, live mussels and oysters, and some other items are limited to 2 kg.
  • Fish must be gutted if fresh. The 20 kg limit applies to origins outside the EU area; for EU origins the page sets no quantity limit.
  • Arrivals from these places are not covered by the 12 April 2025 restrictions on personal imports from the EU.

Sources

  1. GOV.UK (Defra, APHA, Border Force): Bringing food into Great Britain: Meat, dairy, fish and animal products (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. GOV.UK (Defra): Government extends ban on personal meat imports to protect farmers from foot and mouth (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.