Imported Food
When importing food, you need to know about regulations that apply to specific products and more general rules concerning labelling and additives. Failure to comply could cause delay and require action by the enforcement authorities.
It is important that you familiarise yourself with the rules for importing food.
Importers need to be aware of the legislation concerning the import of 'high-risk' products of non-animal origin (Regulation (EC) No 669/2009, as amended) and that for products of non-animal origin contaminated by aflatoxins (Regulation (EC) No 1152/2009). You can find out more information on the 'high-risk' products and aflatoxins pages.
Imports of plastic kitchenware from China and Hong Kong are subject to restrictions under Regulation (EC) 284/2011. You can find out more on the plastic kitchenware page.
Prior to contacting the Agency's Imported Food Helpline, food business operators may wish to register on and check the Agency's Guidance and Regulatory Advice on Import Legislation (GRAIL) database for up-to-date information on imported food legislation and guidance.
Legislation, advice and guidance for importers
- Commercial imports - your questions answered
- Controls at point of entry into the UK
- Importing and testing trade samples
- European Commission guidance on imports
- Legislation for importing food
- Importing food containing contaminants
- Importers and enforcement activity complaints
- Suppliers and import licences
- Importing irradiated food
- Food additives
- Food labelling
Banned or restricted products
- 'High-risk' products of non-animal origin from India, Ghana and Nigeria under Regulation (EU) No 91/2013
- 'High-risk' products of non-animal origin under Regulation (EC) No 669/2009
- Aflatoxin contamination of products of non-animal origin under Regulation (EC) No 1152/2009
- Calabash chalk
- Spices and palm oils
- Foodstuffs with current EU restrictions
- Guar gum and feed and food containing guar gum from India
- Import ban on Jelly Sweets
- Feed and food from Japan
- Imports of products of animal origin from China
- Kava kava
- Pine nuts from China
- Plastic kitchenware from China and Hong Kong under Regulation (EU) No 284/2011
- Red 2G food colouring
- Rice products from China
- Sunflower oil from Ukraine
Imported food and enforcement
- GRAIL (Guidance and Regulatory Advice on Import Legislation) database
- Imported food booklet: Working together on imported food
- Imported food leaflet for traders
- Inland enforcement of imported feed and food controls: Resource pack
- Official Feed and Food Controls regulation: Guidance for enforcement authorities
- Border Inspection Post manual and Official Veterinary Surgeons Notes
- Foodstuffs with current EU restrictions
- European Commission guidance on imports
- Roles and responsibilities of Government authorities
- Audit of food law enforcement controls of imported food not of animal origin
- FVO report on imported food and feed controls published
- Guidance on effective imported food control
- Import controls at smaller seaports and airports guidance
- Import of food from third countries: guidance for food authorities
- Imported Food and Feed Working Group (IFFWG)
- Imported food sampling and surveillance grants
- List of Enhanced Remote Transit Sheds (ERTS) in the UK
