UK travellers warned of £5,000 fine on items 'even bought at duty free' in October

Travel experts have issued a stark warning as new European entry rules, set to begin next month, coincide with a ban on bringing any food back to the UK, potentially resulting in fines of up to £5,000. Holidaymakers could face hefty penalties if they attempt to bring certain items through customs - even those purchased from duty-free.

This is due to ongoing government regulations regarding food imports from Europe, implemented to prevent the spread of serious diseases. This means that travellers returning from popular destinations such as Spain, France, Italy and Greece must ensure their luggage does not contain any prohibited items. Those found attempting to bring items like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats or milk into the country will be halted at the border.

The new 'entry/exit' (EES) system, which comes into effect from October 12, just in time for the October half-term travel period, has left many Brits uncertain about what is permitted, according to recent surveys. Under these new rules, anyone travelling to the EU will need to provide biometric information such as fingerprints, and some countries, including France, are also implementing stricter border controls, including requirements for travel insurance and proof of sufficient funds.

However, travel experts are now cautioning holidaymakers that popular treats such as cheese, cured meats, and even sandwiches could result in a hefty fine of up to £5,000 due to recent changes in UK border rules regarding food items brought back from overseas. Since the ban was implemented in April this year, no official end date has been announced, thus travellers should be wary about what they pack in their luggage.

Travel Expert, Jane Bolton from bespoke ski holiday operator, Erna Low, warned: "You may think that a wedge of local cheese or a pack of cured meats is a harmless holiday treat, especially if it's sealed and purchased at a duty-free shop. But under current biosecurity laws, meat and dairy products are banned from being brought into Great Britain from the EU or other restricted regions."

This includes:

• All cheeses soft, hard or processed: Examples include brie and camembert, which are popular French varieties; mozzarella and parmesan, often associated with Italy; and manchego, a traditional Spanish favourite
• All meat products including cured, cooked or packaged types like salami, pâté, typical in France; chorizo and Jamón from Spain; or parma ham and prosciutto, commonly eaten in Italy
• Milk, yoghurt, butter, cream, and other dairy items
• Food items containing meat or dairy like sandwiches, baked goods or salad

She advised: "If in doubt, don't bring it. The rules apply even if the items are commercially packaged or unopened. You'll be expected to dispose of banned foods at the border and in some cases, may face fines of up to £5,000 for non-compliance. If you're unsure, visit the UK government's official guidelines before packing.

"Grabbing a sandwich, pastry or cheese toastie before your flight might seem like a good idea, but if you don't finish it before landing, you could be in breach of import rules. Even leftovers in your hand luggage are subject to restrictions."

The stricter regulations come as a direct response to escalating foot and mouth disease outbreaks across various European regions. These measures have been implemented to safeguard British farms and livestock from the transmission of severe animal illnesses, which can enter the nation through tainted food items. Even minute quantities of meat or dairy products present a threat, explaining why enforcement has become considerably more rigorous.

Ms Bolton continued: "It's completely understandable that people want to bring home a taste of their holiday, but it's just not worth the risk. If you're carrying meat, cheese or dairy, even in small amounts, it could cost you a fine or delay at the airport. Enjoy the local food while you're away and keep your suitcase fine free on the way home."

Travellers arriving in Great Britain from any EU nation are prohibited from importing items such as sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats or milk. This applies irrespective of packaging or whether purchases were made at duty-free outlets.

Authorities confirmed that people discovered with such products must either surrender them at customs or face confiscation and destruction. "In serious cases, those found with these items run the risk of incurring fines of up to £5,000 in England."

The Government has implemented measures to curb the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in response to a surge in cases across Europe. To safeguard British livestock, farmers' security, and the UK's food security, travellers are prohibited from bringing meat from cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, as well as dairy products, from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use.

Authorities have stated that FMD poses no threat to humans and there are currently no cases in the UK. However, it is a highly infectious viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals such as wild boar, deer, llamas and alpacas. The outbreak on the continent presents a significant risk to farm businesses and livestock.

FMD can lead to substantial economic losses due to production deficits in the affected animals, as well as loss of access to foreign markets for animals, meat and dairy. Earlier this year, the Government already banned personal imports of meat from cattle, sheep and other ruminants, as well as dairy products, from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria in response to confirmed FMD outbreaks in those countries.

The new restrictions only apply to travellers arriving in Great Britain, and will not be imposed on personal imports arriving from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.

Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner, at the time of its launch, declared: "This government will do whatever it takes to protect British farmers from foot and mouth. That is why we are further strengthening protections by introducing restrictions on personal meat and dairy imports to prevent the spread of the disease and protect Britain's food security."

There are a few exceptions to these rules. For instance, a limited quantity of infant milk, medical foods and certain composite products like chocolate, confectionery, bread, cakes, biscuits and pasta continue to be permitted.

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