Bringing food into Great Britain
Check if you need a CITES permit
You’ll need to apply for a permit or certificate if you’re bringing any food or animal products protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) into Great Britain.
This includes:
- foods such as caviar and eel fillets
- beauty products containing caviar extract
- edible cacti, for example prickly pear
Check if you need a CITES permit.
How to get a CITES permit
You need to download and complete a CITES permit application form. Send it to the address on the form.
When travelling to Great Britain, you’ll need to arrive at one of the ports or airports that handles CITES items.
Border Force can seize your items if you do not have a CITES permit and they think you’ve brought them into the country illegally.
Get help
To check the CITES rules, contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Centre for International Trade in Bristol.
APHA Centre for International Trade: Bristol
wildlife.licensing@apha.gov.uk
Telephone: 03000 200 301
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm
Fax: 028 415 2510
Find out about call charges
APHA Centre for International Trade: Bristol
Horizon House
Deanery Road
Bristol
BS1 5AH