Rules around bringing Food and ICW (International Catering Waste) back to the UK
European Foot & Mouth disease risk - ongoing risk
As of April 12, 2025, it is illegal for travelers to bring most meat and dairy products from EU countries into the UK to prevent foot and mouth disease (FMD).
Prohibited items:
- raw or cured meats (pork, beef, lamb, mutton, venison)
- dairy products (cheese, milk, butter, spreads, yogurt).
- ready-to-eat Items: Sandwiches containing meat or dairy are prohibited.
No Personal Imports: The ban applies regardless of whether the product is packed, packaged, or purchased at a duty-free store.
ICW (International Catering Waste)
International catering waste (ICW) is food waste and packaging from planes and boats (including recreational sailing yachts) that have arrived from outside the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man.
Food that is still intended to be consumed (i.e, still in its wrapping) does not need to be treated as ICW and does not need to be discarded (for example, food that a passenger carries off the boat becomes a personal import).
Skippers are responsible for ICW waste & must follow strict rules on handling and disposal to prevent the spread of diseases:
- thoroughly dispose of all ICW waste (including galley bins) before you set sail, and leave all the packaging in the EU. For food you intend to consume on the return trip, it is advisable to remove & discard the packaging, store separately (sealed containers are the gold standard) and fully consume before you cross the UK 12 mile limit.
- clean and disinfect all areas on your vessel that come into contact with food (galley, stores, plates & utensils, storage containers etc..), and only restock your boat with goods bought in the UK, conforming to UK standards. You will then need to make a declaration about this and retain it for 2 years, in case you / your boat is inspected. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/declara...