From 12 April 2025, for health reasons, the United Kingdom has forbidden the entry of meat, cold cuts and cheeses from the EU. The fines for those who transgress are very salty and reach up to 5,000 pounds
Those who live in London or in other places in the United Kingdom must say goodbye, at least at the moment, to the so -called “packages from down”. From 12 April 2025, in fact, it is officially the entrance to the country of meat, cured meats, cheeses are prohibited and other products of animal origin from the European Union.
How come? The reason is very serious: the British government has introduced the measure to counteract the spread of epizootic apa, A highly contagious viral disease that affects cattle, pigs, sheep and goats.
What the prohibition provides
The new legislation applies to all imports for personal use of red meat, dairy products, salami and animal derivatives, even if purchased at the airport, in the duty-free or regularly packaged. The block also concerns simple travel snacks, such as a sandwich with ham or mozzarella.
Those who are found in possession of these customs products will have to deliver them immediately. Otherwise, they will be seized and the penalties are not read: Fines are risks up to 5,000 pounds.
The reason for the provision
The decision does not arise from political or commercial reasons, but from the attempt to avoid a health emergency. In fact, the epizootic afta is present in different European countries, with recently detected outbreaks in Germany.
Among the main symptoms there are ulcers in the mouth and clogs, fever, decrease in productivity and, in the most serious cases, the death of the animal. The virus easily spreads not only among animals, but also through contaminated objects, clothes and foods that are not thermally treated.
Fortunately, the disease does not represent a serious danger for humans, but can have a serious impact on farms, causing serious economic damage and putting food safety at risk.
What can still be brought
Not all food from the EU is banned. Are still allowed:
The ban applies only to the entrance to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). For now they remain excluding Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guersey and Isola di Man, but it is always good to check the updated regulations before departure. The authorities recommend consulting the official website of the British government to avoid surprises.
The British authorities specify that:
At the beginning of this year, the government has already forbidden the personal imports of cattle, sheep and other ruminants and of pork, as well as dairy products, from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria, in response to the confirmation of outbreaks of epizootic afta in these countries. Today’s new restrictions at the EU level better protect the United Kingdom from the evolution of the risk of illness and provide clear rules for travelers, helping them to respect the regulations. The new restrictions apply only to travelers who arrive in Great Britain and will not be imposed on personal imports coming from Northern Ireland, from Jersey, Guernsey or by the island of Man.
