Pet Food from the UK to Poland — What Can You Bring in 2026?

Why Brexit changed the rules on bringing pet food from the UK — SPS status

Before Brexit, bringing pet food from the UK to Poland was straightforward: the UK was an EU member state and SPS controls did not apply to intra-Union movements. Since 1 January 2021, the UK is a third country — which means that pet food of animal origin from the UK is treated in the same way as pet food from the USA, Argentina or Australia. This is a fundamental change that many people are unaware of when buying British pet food during a holiday in the UK or ordering it online.

Pet food as a product of animal origin — EU and Polish rules

Pet food containing meat, fish, eggs or dairy products is classified as an animal by-product (ABP) within the meaning of Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Importing such products from third countries (including the UK) into the EU generally requires: a health certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country, compliance with EU processing and labelling requirements, and entry through a designated Border Control Post (BCP).

For commercial consignments these rules are absolute. For small personal consignments — there is a personal-use exemption, but its scope is precisely defined by the European Commission and may vary depending on the type of food.

Personal-use exemption — small quantities for your own use

EU rules provide for an exemption for the import of products of animal origin in small quantities by travellers. For pet food this means as a general rule: up to 2 kg in total of processed food containing pork, poultry or fish per person, for your own animals only (not for sale), the products must be factory-sealed with a label and best-before date.

However, the pork exemption does not apply to all third countries — the UK, recognised as free from swine diseases, has a different status from, say, South-East Asian countries. Details: gov.uk/guidance/bringing-food-animal-products-into-great-britain and the relevant EU import rules. Recommendation: check the current position on the European Commission's website or the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate (wetgiw.gov.pl) before travelling.

This article reflects the legal position as at 2026-04-18. SPS rules are subject to change — contact a customs broker or GIW before taking action.

Fish-based, plant-based and vegan food — different rules from meat-based

Not all pet food is treated the same way. Fish-based or entirely plant-based food is subject to different rules from meat-based food — and as a general rule is easier to bring in for personal use. Below we explain the difference and give practical tips for dog and cat owners.

Fish-based cat food — rules and permitted limits

Cat food based on fish (e.g. tuna in jelly, salmon in a tin) is a fishery product. Fish and fish products from third countries may be brought into the EU by travellers in quantities of up to 20 kg or one whole fish (if heavier), without a health certificate — provided they are for personal use and factory-sealed.

Tinned cat food with fish typically falls within this category. However, food containing poultry or pork alongside fish reverts to the meat-food category and stricter limits apply. Always check the label. Source: gov.uk/guidance/bringing-food-into-great-britain and the EU rules on imports of fishery products.

Plant-based and vegan food — generally unrestricted

Pet food made entirely from plant-based ingredients (grains, vegetables, fruit, vegetable oils) is not a product of animal origin and is not subject to SPS controls for personal-use imports. If the food label confirms a plant-based composition and the food is factory-sealed, you can bring it in without special formalities.

Exception: food containing bone meal or blood products is classified as ABP Category 3 even if it looks like plant-based food — always check the full ingredient list on the label or on the manufacturer's website.

Pet food ordered online from the UK — different rules from personal import

A growing number of pet owners try to order specialist food from the UK online — because the price is lower or the product is unavailable in Poland. However, the rules for commercial consignments are stricter than for personal imports, and most couriers and postal services cannot handle such shipments correctly under the regulations. Below we explain what may happen to such a parcel at the border.

Ordering pet food from the UK by courier — risk of being held at the border

Pet food containing products of animal origin ordered as a commercial consignment from the UK requires full customs clearance with veterinary documents and entry through a BCP. Standard couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS, DPD) do not have procedures for handling such products in the B2C channel — the parcel may be held by KAS or the veterinary inspection and returned or destroyed.

If you want to import a larger quantity of specialist pet food from the UK, contact a customs broker to assess whether this is feasible and what documents are required. Easy Clearance can advise on import procedures for ABP products — WhatsApp: +44 7404 091503.

When to contact APHA or GIW before purchasing

APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) in the UK is responsible for issuing health certificates for the export of animal products. The Chief Veterinary Inspectorate in Poland (GIW, wetgiw.gov.pl) is responsible for imports. If you plan to bring in more than 2 kg of food, or specialist food (e.g. raw meat, BARF diet, frozen food), contact both institutions before purchasing.

APHA helpline: 03000 200 301 (UK). GIW: +48 22 623 10 00. Both can inform you about the current documentation requirements — free of charge.

What the current rules say

Pet food from the UK to Poland is subject to SPS controls after Brexit because the UK is a third country. Meat-based food in small quantities (up to approx. 2 kg) may be brought in for personal use by a traveller, but the rules depend on the type of meat and current EU regulations. Fish-based food up to 20 kg and plant-based food are generally easier to bring in. Commercial consignments from the UK require full customs and veterinary procedures. Before importing, check the current position on the APHA (UK) and GIW (Poland) websites — SPS rules have changed many times since 2021. This article reflects the legal position as at 2026-04-18.

FAQ — frequently asked questions

Can I bring dog food from the UK to Poland?

It depends on the type of food. Meat-based food in small quantities (up to approx. 2 kg) may be brought in by a traveller for personal use, but the rules depend on the type of meat and current EU rules on imports from third countries. Fish-based food up to 20 kg and plant-based food are generally easier to bring in. Check the current rules at gov.pl/web/wetgiw.

Why is pet food from the UK subject to customs controls after Brexit?

Since Brexit, the UK is a third country for the EU — just like the USA or China. Food containing meat, fish or other animal products is classified as an animal by-product (ABP) and requires sanitary controls on entry into the EU under Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009.

Can I order cat food from the UK online?

A commercial consignment of meat-based pet food from the UK requires full veterinary clearance and APHA certificates — standard couriers do not handle such shipments correctly. The parcel may be seized at the border and destroyed. Contact a customs broker before ordering a larger quantity.

What is the limit on pet food from the UK brought in as luggage?

For processed meat-based food: up to approx. 2 kg per person for personal use. For fish products: up to 20 kg. For plant-based food: no specific limit for personal use. Rules may vary — check the current regulations at gov.uk/guidance/bringing-food-into-great-britain before travelling.

Who should I call with questions about bringing pet food from the UK?

In the UK: APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency), tel. 03000 200 301. In Poland: Chief Veterinary Inspectorate (GIW), tel. +48 22 623 10 00 or wetgiw.gov.pl. Both institutions are responsible for controls on animal products and can provide information on current requirements — free of charge.

Official sources

• Bringing food and animal products into Great Britain — gov.uk — GOV.UK
• Importing animals, animal products and high-risk food — gov.uk APHA — GOV.UK
• Import of products of animal origin — GIW — GOV.PL
• Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 — ABP — EUR-Lex
• National Revenue Administration — border controls — KAS / gov.pl