Importation of products of animal origin for personal consumption
In order to prevent the introduction of animal epidemics, it is prohibited to bring meat, milk and products derived therefrom into the European Union from non-EU countries.
It is prohibited as a matter of principle to introduce meat, milk and products derived therefrom into the EU. Product-specific import restrictions exist for other products depending on the type of product and its country of origin.
The provisions do not apply to the importation of animal products for personal consumption from Andorra, Liechtenstein, San Marino and Switzerland. Moreover, these provisions do not apply to imports of fisheries products for personal consumption from the Faroe Islands and Iceland.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 206/2009 regulates the non-commercial introduction of all animal products into the EU. This regulation has been directly applicable law since 1 May 2009.
The import ban does not include:
1. In small amounts and under certain circumstances:
- powdered infant milk, baby food and special food necessary for medical reasons (max. two kilograms),
- special pet food necessary for medical reasons (max. two kg),
- fish and fishery products for personal consumption (max. 20 kg or one single fish which may be heavier),
- other animal products for personal consumption such as honey (max. two kilograms).
Special conditions apply to the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland from which larger amounts of animal products (10 to 20 kg depending on the type of category) may be imported for personal consumption, including meat, milk and products derived therefrom (max. 10 kg combined total weight per person).
Some additional restrictions apply to products made from animals of protected species (such as caviar made from sturgeon species).
2. No quantitative restrictions:
- bread, cake, cookies, chocolate and confectionery, provided they have not been mixed or filled with meat products,
- dietary supplements pre-packaged for final consumers,
- meat extracts and meat concentrates,
- olives filled with fish,
- pasta and noodles which have not been mixed or filled with meat products,
- consommé and soup aromas pre-packaged for final consumers,
- all other food products which contain no fresh or processed meat, milk or dairy products and which contain less than 50 percent of egg or fish products.
All animal products not conforming to these rules must either be presented as economic goods to a veterinary border inspection post for import entry controls in compliance with the veterinary import laws, or be surrendered on arrival in the EU for official disposal at the expense of the importer.
Failure to register such products may result in a fine.
Exportation of food from Germany to travel destinations
Import regulations for food, plant seeds and specific objects vary from country to country. This is why travellers should always turn to the Federal Foreign Office prior to any trip for information on the precise provisions. A general overview of entry requirements is available on the Federal Foreign Office's website "Reise- und Sicherheitsbestimmungen" (German only).
Users can use a map or search field to enter the country of destination. Information on visa requirements, recommended vaccinations and customs and import requirements are available in the detailed travel information. Links in the text point to further information and services offered by the embassies in the countries of destination. The Federal Foreign Office's Help Desk is available for individual questions at: (0 30 18) 17 20 00, Fax: (0 30 18) 1 75 10 00.