From food, to pets and cars, don’t get caught out by new EU rules
NO MEAT or dairy products! That’s not a new vegan regime for the nation, but new rules about what you can’t take into the EU. As some truckers discovered recently, there’s a new regime for things you take in to the EU as an individual.
Here’s what to watch for.
ANIMAL-DERIVED PRODUCTS
YOU cannot bring POAOs (products of an animal origin) such as those containing meat or dairy (a ham and cheese sandwich, for example) into the EU.
According to the Government guidance ‘’there are exceptions to this rule for certain quantities of powdered infant milk, infant food, special foods, or special processed pet feed”.
There’s a full list of the rules and exemptions in the European Commission guidance on personal imports.
The reasoning behind this is there are potentially animal diseases like foot and mouth or swine fever, that the EU wants to keep out. Don’t even think about posting some Wensleydale to your Auntie in Fuengirola either. The rules include things sent by post.
PLANTS MEAN PROBLEMS
THAT doesn’t mean veggies can gloat though. You cannot bring certain plants and plant products into the EU either. It’s complicated, but if it grows and things can live on it, then it’s out. If it’s highly processed you might be alright.
Fabulously, you can take bananas, coconuts, dates, pineapple and legendarily stinky fruit, durians. These items do not pose a risk apparently. Not all plant derived goods are banned. So Marmite is allowed, as it’s vegan, but Bovril is out because its meat-derived.
Some desserts might be on the naughty list too if they contain gelatin and in theory, collagen is out too – both can be animal derived. There are exceptions though. For other animal products, such as honey, live oysters, live mussels and snails, for example, travellers are allowed to bring in up to 2 kilograms.
Make sure you check your giant African land snail pet isn’t an invasive species!
PET PASSPORTS
WHEN you finally get on a plane, train or boat for a trip to the EU, your pet passport is no longer valid.
You can still take your dog, cat, ferret or other animal (within reason) abroad, but the rules depend on the requirements of individual countries. Regardless, you’ll need to have the pet microchipped. It’ll also need a valid rabies vaccination, an animal health certificate and also tapeworm treatment for some countries. You’ll need to contact your vet at least one month before travel. If you have an EU or Northern Ireland-issued pet passport then this may not apply but check before travel.
CAR TROUBLE
YOUR car will be allowed into the EU – but with restrictions. You’ll need a green card from your insurer which proves you have the minimum cover to travel.
You should allow two months (the rules say six weeks but let’s not chance it) at least, to get this. You may be able to print the card, but I wouldn’t, if you’re crossing borders a lot. Caravanners and towers of other things, you’ll need extra cards for them too.
You’ll also need a GB sticker. Some countries also require paper licences and possibly an international driving permit.
We can’t smuggle you, your tuna toasties or your unchipped ferret into the EU, but we can help you with complaints about all goods and services in the UK. Visit resolver.co.uk