The European Commission works to ensure that Europe's food supply is the safest in the world and that the same standards of food safety apply to all products regardless of origin. As the world's biggest importer and exporter of foodstuffs, the European Union works closely with international organisations and offers advice as well as assistance to non-EU country trading partners.

Useful links:

Importing into the EU

• Importing Live Animals & Animal Products into the European Union
• Special EU import conditions for certain products of animal origin
  • EU import conditions for poultry and poultry products
  • Factsheet: European Union import conditions for poultry and poultry products
  • Factsheet: EU import conditions for fresh meat and meat products
  • Factsheet: EU import conditions for seafood and other fishery products
• EU Trade Helpdesk
• Veterinary border controls
• Expert group

Establishments & Laboratories

• Approved establishments in non-EU countries
• Establishments in the veterinary field
• List for Rabies Testing Authorised Laboratories

During Transport

• Protection of animals during transport

Guidance

• Guidance Document on certain key questions related to import requirements and the EU rules on food hygiene and on official food controls
• General guidance on EU import and transit rules for live animals and animal products from non-EU countries

Others

• Information on the EU regionalisation policy
• Residues of Veterinary Medicinal Products (non-EU countries)