UK Implements Dairy Import Ban to Protect Against Animal Diseases

The UK government has enacted a temporary ban on personal dairy imports from the European Union, effective April 2025, as a precautionary measure against the spread of animal diseases. The restrictions are aimed at preventing outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), African Swine Fever (ASF), and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), which have been reported in EU countries like Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia.

The ban impacts travelers who attempt to bring in dairy products such as cheese, butter, and yogurt, as well as specific meats. The UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has emphasized the need for this measure, citing the medium risk of disease introduction to British farms.

Enforcement at UK borders is stringent, with Border Force officers actively checking for prohibited items. Non-compliance with the ban could result in a fine of up to £5,000 or potential prosecution, serving as a strong deterrent against illegal imports. The government argues that these measures are vital to safeguard the £15 billion agricultural economy.

Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman stated that the ban is a necessary step to protect the health of the UK’s agricultural sector, highlighting the importance of robust border control in mitigating disease risks from continental Europe.