22 August 2025: Updates to personal import restrictions from the EU Single Market Area
Updated 22 August 2025
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-veterinary-surgeon-ovs-notes/22-august-2025-updates-to-personal-import-restrictions-from-the-eu-single-market-area
Official Veterinary Surgeon (OVS) note number: 2025/59
Date: 22 August 2025
1. Purpose
To advise that the safeguard measures restricting personal imports of certain porcine and ruminant products from the EU single market into Scotland are now being implemented by The Animal Products (Control of Personal Importation) (Scotland) Order 2025.
2. Background
Personal imports from the EU single market of certain porcine and ruminant products into Great Britain were suspended in April 2025 in response to foot and mouth disease via safeguard declarations implemented under regulation 29(1) of the Trade in Animals and Related Products Regulations 2011 (TARP) and equivalent legislation in Wales and Scotland (see OVS note 2025/29).
These restrictions were imposed in addition to safeguard measures restricting personal imports from the EU of certain porcine products in response to African swine fever and certain sheep and goat products in response to peste des petits ruminants.
These restrictions were imposed in addition to safeguard measures restricting personal imports from the EU of certain porcine products in response to African swine fever and certain sheep and goat products in response to peste des petits ruminants.
OVS note 2025/56 was issued to advise that the safeguard measures restricting personal imports of certain porcine and ruminant products from the EU single market into Wales. It has now been superseded by a formal instrument enacted under Section 10 of the Animal Health Act. This instrument is available here: The Animal Health (Import Controls) (Wales) Order 2025 and applies in Wales only from 8 August 2025.
Be advised that the safeguard measures restricting personal imports of certain porcine and ruminant products from the EU single market into Scotland have now been superseded by The Animal Products (Control of Personal Importation) (Scotland) Order 2025 which was enacted under Section 10 of the Animal Health Act.
This instrument applies in Scotland only from 23 August 2025 and will continue to apply until revoked or amended
The topical issues page will be updated at 00:01 on 23 August 2025 to notify of this change.
The safeguard declaration on personal imports under TARP in England continues to apply.
Safeguard restrictions on personal imports of certain porcine and ruminant products from the EU single market area into Great Britain are not altered by this change.
3. Contact point for enquiries
If you have any queries, you can contact the APHA Imports and EU Trade Team by email at imports@apha.gov.uk.