Bringing Snails into the United Kingdom

Snails have been consumed as food for centuries in various cultures around the world. In Europe, it was the ancient Romans who popularized this delicacy as far back as 200 BC. Today, snails are still considered a luxury food item in many countries, including France, Italy, Spain and United Kingdom. As a result, there is a significant demand for imported snails in these markets.

Import Snails to United Kingdom:

While snails have been a traditional part of European cuisine, the United Kingdom has seen an increase in demand for this delicacy in recent years. The UK is one of the top importers of snails, with France being the major supplier. So, how can you import snails to the UK?

Traveling with Snails:

One of the easiest ways to import snails to the UK is by bringing them in yourself while traveling. You can bring 2KG per person snail without any special permits or licenses. However, these snails must be preserved or shelled, cooked and prepared for human consumption.

This method is ideal for smaller quantities of snails, but may not be feasible for larger orders.

For Individual Use:

If you are importing snails for personal consumption or small-scale selling, you will need to comply with the UK’s food safety regulations. You need some certificate and license from the UK Food Standards Agency to bring in snails. These regulations ensure that the imported snails are safe for consumption and do not pose a risk of spreading diseases. Additionally, you must also declare your imports at the port of entry and pay any necessary customs duties.

For Commercial Purposes:

If you plan on importing snails for commercial purposes, such as selling them to restaurants, you will need to meet additional regulations. In addition to the food safety regulations mentioned above, you will also need to obtain a license from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). This ensures that your snails are free from any pests or diseases that could harm UK agriculture.

For documentation and customs purposes, we suggest working with a reputable customs broker or freight forwarder who is familiar with the import regulations for snails in the UK. They can assist you with obtaining the necessary permits, completing paperwork, and navigating through any potential challenges that may arise during the importing process.