New regulations for the import of food of animal origin in tourist traffic

Protection against the introduction of animal diseases from third countries

The EU has set new import rules for food of animal origin for personal consumption. They serve to protect against the introduction of animal diseases from third countries (non-EU countries). According to this, no milk, no meat and products made from it may be brought into the EU from third countries, even in private travel provisions. The new EU regulation replaces the regulation that has been in force since January 2003.

Meat, milk and products made from it are subject to the same veterinary requirements for non-commercial imports from third countries as for commercial imports. They must come from third countries that the European Community has approved for this purpose and be accompanied by health certificates laid down by Community law. The import must take place via a customs office to which a border inspection post required by veterinary law is assigned. This does not apply to goods from Andorra, Norway and San Marino intended for personal use.

Baby food and medically required special food in quantities that a person could reasonably consume are not affected by the import ban in travel. In addition, there are generally no import controls for meat and dairy products from the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland (upper limit: 5 kg per person). The import regulations of these countries are comparable to those of the EU member states.

Travelers must be made aware of these new regulations by means of signs when entering the EU. International passenger transport companies are obliged to point out the import regulations and the applicable animal health regulations.

Source: Berlin [bmvel]