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New Provisions on the Import of Animal Food Products by Tourists

to prevent animal diseases from being brought into the European Union from third countries

The European Union has set new regulations on the import of animal food products for personal consumption. They are intended to prevent animal diseases from being brought into the European Union from third countries (non-EU countries). Under the regulations, no milk, meat, or products made from milk or meat may be brought into the EU from third countries, not even as private provisions. The new EU regulation replaces the provision in effect since January 2003.

Noncommercial imports of meat, milk, and products made from meat and milk are subject to the same veterinary requirements as are commercial imports. They must originate from third countries approved by the European Community and be accompanied by EU health certificates. The products must be imported via a customs location to which a border control site prescribed by EU veterinary law has been assigned. Excluded from this rule are certain goods intended for personal use from Andorra, Norway, and San Mario.

Baby food and special, medically necessary food, in amounts which a person could reasonably consume, remain unaffected by the import ban for tourists. In addition, meat and milk products from the Faeroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland generally are not subject to any import controls (limit: 5 kg per person). The import provisions of these countries are comparable to those of the EU member states.

For further information, go to:

http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/archive/2004/l_12220040426de.html