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Food-specific regulations you have to comply with in addition to other import and export rules

The rules on bringing food or animal products into Great Britain from abroad: restrictions, types of food and the amount you can bring.

• Overview

  There are rules for bringing food or animal products into Great Britain…

• Meat, dairy, fish and animal products

  The rules on bringing meat, dairy, fish and other animal products depend…

• Fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds

  The rules on bringing fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds depend on the…

• Pet food

  The rules on bringing pet food depend on the country you’re bringing it…

• Check if you need a CITES permit

  You may need to apply for a permit or certificate if you’re bringing any…

• If you break the rules

  If you declare banned food products to Border Force officers at customs,…

How to get refrigerated or heated vans, trucks and trailers approved to transport perishable food in or out of the UK, and the documents you need to have.

• Updated: 29 January 2026

Find out how to apply VAT to charges for postage, delivery services and how to treat direct marketing services involving distribution of printed matter.

• Updated: 30 September 2022

Find out the information you must give to customers on food products and how to give it.

• Updated: 20 September 2022

The Operational Delivery Profession is public face of the Civil Service, bringing vital services to millions of people around the country and abroad. Operational Delivery Profession is part of the Civil Service .

• Updated: 15 April 2021

Statistics about food transport in the UK.

• Updated: 12 January 2012

Find out when and at what rate you need to charge VAT if you supply food and drink for catering or takeaway.

• Updated: 5 August 2022

How food shops, manufacturers, and distributors must dispose of or handle former foodstuffs or food waste.

• Updated: 21 October 2014