The third country must be approved for commercial import of the foodstuff concerned to the EU.

The foodstuff must come from an establishment of origin located in a third country approved for import to the EU.

The foodstuff must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate which is in accordance with a model approved in the EU legislation. The certificate shows that the foodstuff meets the relevant animal health and food safety requirements.

A veterinary border inspection subject to charge is performed on consignment on the external frontier of the EU; advance registration using the internet-based TRACES system is required.

Imports may be restricted or temporarily suspended by Commission Decisions on safeguard measures if any risks relating to animal diseases or food hygiene are detected in the country of origin. Import conditions or temporary ban on imports will always supersede the regular import conditions.

Further information and links:

Import conditions of foodstuffs of animal origin in the national veterinary legislation

Commission Decisions on protection measures concerning import restrictions