Customers who import goods containing bovine ingredients should be aware of new UK government restrictions now in place due to a recent disease outbreak in Italy.
From 25 June 2025, the UK has suspended the import of all bovine-related products from Italy following confirmation of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in Sardinia. As a result, Italy has lost its LSD-free status, prompting immediate action by Defra to prevent the spread of the disease into the UK.
The restrictions affect a wide range of products, including:
- Live cattle
- Bovine germplasm (semen, ova, embryos)
- Raw milk and milk products (including colostrum)
- Offal (excluding diaphragm and masseter muscles)
- Fresh or untreated bovine hides and skins
- Other animal by-products of bovine origin unless properly treated
In short, if any part of your product contains beef or milk from Italy, it will not be permitted into the UK at this time unless specific treatment standards are met. These measures also apply to goods shipped from elsewhere in the EU if they contain bovine materials sourced from Italy.
What You Need to Know
Even if your consignment originates from outside Italy, you may still be affected. If it includes ingredients such as beef or milk that come from Italy, the suspension applies. This means you might be asked to provide documentation showing the country of origin for all bovine content in your goods. Without this, your shipment may be delayed or refused at the border.
Some animal by-products are exempt from the ban, such as gelatine, collagen, tallow, hooves and horns, which the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) considers low risk, but only if they meet heat treatment or other processing requirements.
The suspension will remain in place until further notice. In the meantime, Defra is due to issue further updates and publish safeguard declarations related to the import of untreated hides, skins, and other affected animal by-products. Until then, consignments in these categories should not be dispatched.
What You Should Do Now
If you import any products containing bovine ingredients, whether finished goods or raw materials, we strongly recommend reviewing your supply chain to check for any Italian content. You may need to speak to your suppliers to confirm the origin of your goods, especially if you source from within the EU.
To avoid disruption, be ready to provide supporting documentation showing the origin of any bovine-derived ingredients in your shipments.
We’re Here to Help
At Denholm Good Logistics our in-house customs team are here to help. If you have any questions, get in touch today or visit us online https://denholmgoodlogistics.com/customs-clearance
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