Banned and restricted goods

This section explains which goods are restricted or banned completely from entering the UK.

Certain goods are prohibited or restricted in the UK to protect citizens safety, health and the environment. These rules apply to all travellers, whether you are travelling from within or outside the European Union.

Prohibited goods are banned completely in the UK. Restricted goods cannot be imported into the UK without appropriate legal documents, such as a licence. You can find a guide to prohibited and restricted goods on the HM Revenue & Customs website.

There are strict rules about bringing meat, food and plant products into the UK, to reduce the risk of pests and diseases entering the country. We have produced leaflets explaining which food products and fruit, vegetable and plants products you can bring into the UK - you can find these leaflets under 'Related documents' on the right side of this page.

If you are in any doubt, ask our officers when you arrive or contact the HM Revenue & Customs helpline. (See under 'Internet links' on the right side of this page.)

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Irish Republic, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.