UK travelers face $6,500 fine for bringing these 5 items through customs from duty-free

The government introduced strict new rules last month to address an outbreak of a serious disease in Europe

Holidaymakers have been warned they could face fines of up to $6,500 if they attempt to bring certain items through customs—even if they purchased them from a duty-free shop. The government recently implemented stringent new regulations in response to a severe European disease outbreak.

This means that travelers from hotspots such as Spain, France, Italy, and Greece must ensure they don't carry any prohibited items in their luggage. Current rules stipulate that anyone found with items like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, or milk will be stopped at the border.

It's now illegal for travelers from all EU countries entering Great Britain to bring in items like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, or milk. This applies regardless of whether the items are packed or packaged, or even if they were bought at a duty-free.

Authorities have stated that those found with these items will need to either surrender them at the border or have them seized and destroyed. "In serious cases, those found with these items run the risk of incurring fines of up to $6,500 in England."

The government has taken these measures to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD) following a rising number of cases across Europe. According to Bristol Live, travelers are now prohibited from bringing cattle, sheep, goat, pig meat, and dairy products from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use.

This aims to protect the health of British livestock, the security of farmers, and the UK's food security.

Officials have reassured that Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) poses no risk to humans, and there are currently no cases in the UK. However, it is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed animals such as wild boar, deer, llamas, and alpacas.

The outbreak on the continent presents a significant risk to farm businesses and livestock.

FMD can cause substantial economic losses due to production shortfalls in the affected animals and loss of access to foreign markets for animals, meat, and dairy. In response to confirmed outbreaks of FMD in Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria earlier this year, the Government has already banned personal imports of cattle, sheep, and other ruminants, pig meat, and dairy products from these countries.

The new restrictions apply only to travelers arriving in Great Britain and will not be imposed on personal imports arriving from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.

When the restrictions were launched, Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner stated: "This government will do whatever it takes to protect British farmers from foot and mouth. That is why we are further strengthening protections by introducing restrictions on personal meat and dairy imports to prevent the spread of the disease and protect Britain's food security.

Dr. Jorge Martin-Almagro, the UK's Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for international and trade affairs, has issued a stark warning in light of foot and mouth disease sightings within EU borders, raising concerns about its potential spread to Great Britain.

"Following the detection of foot and mouth disease in EU countries resulting in a rising risk of introduction into Great Britain, we have extended restrictions on the personal imports of food products that pose a risk in FMD transmission."

He reassured the public in preparation for any potential outbreak, stating, "Robust contingency plans are already in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and Britain's food security. This biosecurity measure combined with all others we have implemented are critical to limit the risk of FMD incursion. I would urge livestock keepers to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, ensure scrupulous biosecurity is maintained and to report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency."

Although rigid regulations are being enforced, some leniencies remain under carefully controlled conditions. A manageable set of exceptions applies, such as allowing minimal quantities of select goods like infant milk, medical foods, and specific composite products, including chocolate, candy, bread, cakes, biscuits, and pasta.

Those seeking further details can find more information by clicking here.