Nothing beats visiting a new place and bringing back some edible souvenirs. For travelers to Spain one of the best foodie keepsakes is Spanish jamón (ham). With its deep flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture Spanish ham makes the perfect gift or treat to enjoy when you get home. But can you actually bring ham back through UK customs?
The rules on bringing meats into the UK depend on where it was produced. With Brexit impacting trade regulations, it’s important to understand the latest guidance to avoid having your ham confiscated at the border.
In this article, we’ll break down the specific rules on traveling from Spain to the UK with Spanish ham Read on to learn how much you can bring, how to pack it, and what to watch out for at customs ¡Buen viaje!
First, let’s cover the basics. In Spain, jamón refers to dry-cured ham made from the hind legs of pigs native to Spain. The two main types are:
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Jamón Serrano – Made from white pigs. Dry-cured for at least 9 months.
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Jamón Ibérico – Made from black Iberian pigs. Dry-cured for 36+ months. This is considered the finest Spanish ham
Both use only salt, air, and time to cure the ham. No chemicals are added. The result is an intensely flavored ham that makes for fantastic tapas, sandwiches, and savory dishes. It’s quite expensive in the UK, so travelers often want to bring some back from Spain. Let’s look at the specific rules.
Bringing Spanish Ham into the UK from the EU
The good news is that you can bring ham into the UK for personal use when traveling directly from Spain or other EU countries. This is because it meets the criteria:
- Originates and was produced in the EU
- Is for personal consumption, not commercial resale
- You travel directly from Spain (no connecting flights from non-EU countries)
However, there are restrictions:
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You can only bring in up to 2kg of pork/pork products per person. This applies specifically to ham.
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The ham must be commercially packaged with an EU identification mark or health stamp.
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You cannot bring packaged ham through an airport that originated from outside the EU.
So when traveling directly from Spain, you can bring up to 2kg of properly packaged Spanish ham per person for personal use. It’s best to keep the original packaging or label confirming it was produced in Spain.
How To Pack Spanish Ham for Travel to the UK
To avoid any issues bringing Spanish ham through UK customs, follow these tips:
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Keep the original packaging and labels from the ham. This proves place of origin.
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Wrap hams thoroughly in plastic wrap to prevent leakage or cross-contamination with other items.
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Place the wrapped hams in ziplock bags for extra protection. This keeps smells contained.
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Pack ham in your checked luggage, not your carry-on. Declare it on your entry form.
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Limit the amount to 2kg or less per person.
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Keep the ham in your luggage, not on your person. Don’t attempt to hide it.
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Have proof of purchase and/or receipts in case you are questioned.
What Happens If You Exceed the Limit?
If you are found bringing more than 2kg of Spanish ham per person through UK customs, the excess will be confiscated and destroyed. You could also face penalties or fines for attempted illegal import.
To avoid this, carefully weigh and limit the amount of ham you are transporting back. Cured hams are expensive – so make sure you’ve properly packed, declared and weighed them out based on the latest customs regulations.
Enjoy Your Spanish Hams Back in the UK!
Part of the joy of traveling to amazing food destinations like Spain is being able to bring back some edible treats. With the proper precautions, you can safely transport Spanish jamón back to the UK. Just remember to:
- Travel directly from Spain with no outside connections
- Pack commercially packaged ham labeled as product of Spain
- Adhere to the 2kg per person limit
- Keep hams in checked luggage, wrapped and declared
Savor the authentic taste of Spain’s incredible dry-cured ham and share it with delighted family and friends back home. ¡Buen provecho!
How to move to Spain from the UK – Visas and Residencias explained!
FAQ
Can I bring ham back from Spain?
What food can I bring back to UK from Spain?
Can I take raw meat on a plane in the UK?
Can you bring Ham from Spain to the UK?
However, as Spain is still an EU country, you can bring ham from Spain to the UK as long as it meets certain criteria. The ham must be a commercially packaged product, with clear labeling and no signs of spoilage or contamination. It’s also important to note that fresh ham or any other fresh meat products are not allowed to be brought into the UK.
What happens if you bring Ham into the UK?
If you’re caught bringing in banned food products, such as fresh ham or other fresh meat products, into the UK from Spain or any other country, there can be serious consequences. Border Force officers at customs have the power to seize any illegal food products and destroy them.
How much ham can you bring back from Spain?
When it comes to the amount of ham you can bring back from Spain, there is no specific weight limit. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you are only allowed to bring back ham for personal consumption.
Can I bring meat to the EU from the UK?
When travelling within the EU, you can bring meat or dairy products as long as they’re for personal consumption. This also applies to fruit and veg, provided it has been grown in the EU. However, since Brexit, there are stricter rules on what you can bring to the EU from the UK.