• The third country must be approved for commercial import of the foodstuff concerned to the EU.
• A weight limit has been set in accordance with approved food imports depending on the foodstuff concerned and the importing country.
• Imports may be restricted or imports may be 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.
• In addition, in case of meat and meat products and milk and milk-based products

The foodstuff must be accompanied by a veterinarian’s certificate which is in accordance with a model approved in the EU legislation. The certificate shows that the foodstuff meets the relevant animal health requirements.

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

Further information and links:

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

Commission Decisions on protection measures concerning import restrictions

Further information on import conditions for foodstuffs of animal origin and veterinary border inspection is available at the Finnish Food Safety Authority (Evira).