Importing food into the EU

[GMJ]

Unless there are a host of stories regarding MH/Caravans being stopped and searched/food confiscated/people being fined etc, I think we'll still take what we normally do and have details of where the nearest supermarket is, just in case.

 

[RCW]

Unless there are a host of stories regarding MH/Caravans being stopped and searched/food confiscated/people being fined etc, I think we'll still take what we normally do and have details of where the nearest supermarket is, just in case.

Google maps will
Sort that out for you . I have found the cost of food in France and Switzerland is insane. But Italy, Croatia , Bulgaria, really good prices. There’s no restrictions bringing canned products , so I do like my canned tomatoes and tinned rice.

 

[GMJ]

I figure there must be a supermarket at the Cite de Europe place in Calais. We always use the tunnel so that is really close.

 

[saxonborg]

I figure there must be a supermarket at the Cite de Europe place in Calais. We always use the tunnel so that is really close.

Big Carrefour with a large car park opposite, get everything you might need there.

 

[SquirrellCook]

So if canned meats and dairy is ok, I'd best get on ebay and find some ammunition boxes to put my meat and dairy products in. Ideally ww2 vintage.

 

[GMJ]

What about Condensed milk in tins? Or Carnation....

 

[snapster]

Yes as the EU have gone mad that English left and we are being treated like criminals. Anything canned is permitted, or just stock up once Over the ferry.

The EU is applying the same rules to all non EU visitors and now the Uk has left, it comes under the same rules as other third countries.
I doubt anyone is interested in penalising UK travellers

 

[SquirrellCook]

Actually, thinking about it. The first time we passed through Switzerland, we were asked if we were carrying any meats of alcohol. That was after wanting to see our passengers!

 

[GMJ]

As I understand it, if the EU made any special allowance for us under WTO rules they would have to do it for everyone (unless I guess, it was specifically part of any treaty).

Interesting point on Switzerland as we were never asked and this despite my having to go in to the border customs place when we crossed and having to get the over 3500kg road tax vignette.

 

[John H]

Yes as the EU have gone mad that English left and we are being treated like criminals. Anything canned is permitted, or just stock up once Over the ferry.

That is just not true. The rules have always been the same for non-EU States and the only thing that has changed is that we have chosen to become a non-EU State.

 

[TJBi]

So if canned meats and dairy is ok, I'd best get on ebay and find some ammunition boxes to put my meat and dairy products in. Ideally ww2 vintage.

I think that if you read the regulations you will find that packaging in cans does not achieve exemption.

 

[Barge1914]

At least we don't need an IDP if travelling in EU for less than 6 months(!). Got them already, though, as no clear guidance before we left!

So you can visit San Marino then!

 

[Barge1914]

So you can visit San Marino then!

And the Vatican City.

 

[jagmanx]

What about Chips into Monte Carlo (Monaco ?)

From What I remember ther were no checks with San Marino
So what if you claim you sprnt 1 month there so your 4 months out of UKid ok (90mdaays in EU and 30 in San Matrino

 

[TeamRienza]

What with lockdown etc, all the food in my van dates back to before 31 December or is French. I wonder how that would go down.
On a more serious note, living in N. Ireland where we have the pleasure of being screwed by the EU, UK and the ROI governments in equal measure, technically the food I take to France (Dublin Cherbourg) is purchased within the single market. We have Irish passports but a UK (n. Ire) registration. I look forward to our reception when next we get to France. It all depends on the douane knowing the technicalities of the N. I. protocol.

Davy

 

[jagmanx]

Yes The 90 day limit should refer to UK citizens so you should be OK.
The vehicle SHOULD be irrelevant BUT.........

 

[jagmanx]

What about say milk
Maybe bought in ROI but imported from Ulster or the opposite ????
same goes for almost anything ?

 

[Tidewatcher]

OK there are lots of grey areas, debating them is fun on this forum but.... in my experience never antagonise a policeman or customs man who has big boots, tucks his trousers in his socks and carries a big gun.

 

[jagmanx]

OK there are lots of grey areas, debating them is fun on this forum but.... in my experience never antagonise a policeman or customs man who has big boots, tucks his trousers in his socks and carries a big gun.

Indeed as you say interesting to consider all the anomalies.
We usually tour europe for about 3 months in the summer.
In 2016 we toured Scandinavia which was oer 100 days.
We have an outline plan and will not go to the extreme north and also leave out Finland and minimise Denmark.
Thus staying within the 90 days
Not being able to take some food is a minor pain but part of the enjoyment is food shopping in other countries.

As you say not wise to antagonise officials..
You probably know Norway although 100% Schengen is not 100% Eu and arriving via a ferry from Denmark a customs official checked our "alcohol import"

 

[GMJ]

I guess what we need is travel to be allowed across the channel and some folks to report back on whether this will be an issue for us MHers in the future.

My gut feel is that the border staff will not bother searching every MH or caravan so it may be a Dirty Harry question of whether you feel lucky or not!