Defra, UK - Farming - Retail and trade - Products of animal origin

Farming

Products of animal origin: Import and export

Imports

Imports of products of animal origin are controlled to prevent the import of disease into England. The level of control required will depend upon the product being imported and whether or not the country of origin is within the European Union (EU).

Full details of the requirements for importing products of animal origin can be found within the imports section of international trade on the Defra website.

Import controls

For a summary of the general procedures and veterinary checks required for importing live animals, and animal products, you should check the Importer Information Notes (IINs) section.

To check latest developments or any current restrictions that may be in place you should check the Customer Information Notes. You can also sign up to receive an email alert service for UK importers and exporters provided by Defra and HM Revenue and Customs.

Certain animals and products of animal origin that are not covered by European Union regulations require an import licence to be imported into Great Britain. Again, details of these, and application forms can be found in the imports section of international trade.

For further information, see Product Imports: Questions and Answers.

Personal Imports

It is illegal to bring back meat or dairy products for personal use from most countries outside the EU. Check Defra’s personal imports database for details.

Export Controls

Exports of animal products to EU countries are covered by European legislation which safeguards animal and public health.

In most cases, animal products do not require official veterinary certification when being sent to other EU countries provided that they comply with certain domestic rules. For example, meat and dairy goods must comply with the rules enforced by the Food Standards Agency.

If you are considering exporting animal products outside the EU you will need to comply with the specific rules of the importing country.

The importing country is likely to insist that the goods are accompanied by an official export health certificate. Because every country will have different rules, we strongly recommend that you contact the veterinary authorities of the country concerned well in advance to ensure that everything is in order before departure.

For advice on exporting animal products and applying for export health certificates, please contact your local Animal Health Divisional Office.

Export opportunities

The International Agriculture & Technology Centre (IATC) offers advice and support in finding new markets.

The Export Certification User Group of industry stakeholders identifies priority markets for Defra to attempt to negotiate export health certification.