What Food Can You Bring Back from France to the UK?

MARBELLA, Spain - June 4, 2026 - PRLog -- If you are travelling between France and the UK, staying up-to-date with current customs rules is vital to avoid hefty fines, confiscated goods, or delays at the border. Staysure Expat is answering your questions about bringing food from France to the UK and what is and is not allowed.

Q: Can I bring traditional French food like pâté and Camembert into the UK?
A: No. The UK government has introduced a strict ban on travellers bringing personal imports of meat and dairy products from the EU into Great Britain. Originally implemented in April 2025, ministers have confirmed this ban will continue throughout 2026 to protect British agriculture from outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Europe.

Prohibited items include:

• All meat products
• All dairy products.

These rules apply to all personal imports, no matter where you bought them - including duty-free at the airport. Check the rules regarding bringing food into the UK on the Gov.UK website before flying to ensure you have the most up to date information.

Q: Are there any penalties if I break the rules?
A: Yes, the penalties can be severe. In a press release from the Department of Rural Affairs (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-extends-ban...) they explain that if border officials find banned meat or dairy products in your luggage that you have not declared, the items will be immediately seized and destroyed. Furthermore, you could face a penalty fine of up to £5,000, and in the most serious cases, prosecution.

If you're unsure whether a food item in your luggage is permitted, always declare it at customs. If you declare a banned item voluntarily, Border Force will simply dispose of it, and you will not be fined.

Q: What French foods and gifts are still allowed?
A: Fortunately, many beloved French staples are entirely unrestricted and carry no biosecurity risks. Foie Gras, macarons, jams, honey, Dijon mustard, artisan chocolates and French wine all make lovely gifts which really connect with the culture of France, without breaking the rules!

Q: Will these restrictions change in the future?
A: The ban is officially classified as a temporary emergency measure. However, as the government recently extended the rules into 2026, they will remain in place as long as the FMD biosecurity risk persists in Europe.

As your specialist expat travel insurance provider, Staysure Expat (https://www.staysure.com/expat/) wants your journey home to be as smooth and stress-free as possible. Always check the official Gov.uk website for the latest customs updates before you pack, and ensure your comprehensive expat travel insurance policy is up to date before you fly.