Products of animal origin can carry pa- thogens that cause dangerous infectious diseases. As a general rule, you cannot bring meat, meat products, milk and milk products (e.g. charcuterie, cheese, yogurt) into the EU.

Following post-Brexit regulations that remain strictly enforced in 2026, you generally cannot take any meat or dairy products from the UK into the EU for personal consumption. This includes everything from a ham sandwich or a block of cheddar cheese to "composite" products like a pepperoni pizza. There are also strict "Phytosanitary" rules that prohibit bringing most fresh fruit, vegetables, and plants into the EU without a specialized certificate, as they could harbor pests or diseases. For example, even a single apple or a bouquet of flowers can be confiscated at customs in Calais or Schiphol. Exceptions include a small list of "low-risk" items like processed bread, biscuits, and chocolate, provided they contain less than 20% animal product. Additionally, there are limits on tobacco and alcohol: you can only bring 200 cigarettes and 4 liters of still wine duty-free. In 2026, travelers are advised to "eat it or lose it" before crossing the border to avoid fines or delays at the EU customs gates.