TAHD-DSAT-2006-3-2
August 25, 2010
Based on Commission Regulation (EC) No. 206/2009 of 5 March 2009 on the introduction into the European Union (EU) of personal consignments of products of animal origin, and amending Regulation (EC) No. 136/2004.
The EU has implemented several rules to avoid introducing animal diseases, some of which may be introduced through meat products or meat- and milk-based products imported to the EU. The Regulation (EC) No. 206/2009 sets out new conditions and restrictions for animal products (including game meat) carried by travellers, or entering the EU by mail.
This directive covers only personal consignments of products of animal origin of a non-commercial character:
- which form part of travellers' luggage; or
- which are sent as small consignments to private persons; or
- which are ordered remotely (for example, by mail, telephone or Internet) and delivered to the consumer; and
- from countries authorized to export to the EU.
Products prohibited from entering the EU (this is not a complete list):
Import to the EU of personal packages for non-commercial use containing the following products is prohibited:
- meat and edible meat offal (including game meat), with the exception of frog legs;
- dairy products; and
- beef, offal or blood sausages and similar products, and food mixtures with these products as a base.
Products not placed under veterinary controls (this is not a complete list):
The following foods intended for human consumption and non-commercial use are not placed under veterinary controls:
- unfilled gelatine capsules;
- food supplements packaged for the final consumer, containing small amounts of animal product, and those including glucosamine, chondroitin or Chitosan; and
- meat extracts and meat concentrates.
Products not placed under veterinary controls if the maximum weight is respected:
- Eviscerated fresh or prepared fishery products, or processed fishery products, the weight of which does not exceed twenty (20) kilograms or the weight of one fish, whichever weight is the highest, are not placed under veterinary controls.
- Powdered infant milk, infant food and special foods required for medical reasons, and special pet feed required for medical reasons, are not placed under veterinary controls if they do not exceed two (2) kilograms and if they meet the following conditions:
- the products do not require refrigeration before opening;
- the products are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer; and
- the packaging is unbroken unless in current use.