UK releases list of items travellers cannot bring into the country in 2026

List of items travellers cannot bring into the UK in 2026 Prohibited items Controlled drugs Offensive weapons, including flick knives Self-defence sprays, including pepper spray and CS gas Endangered animal and plant species Rough diamonds Indecent or obscene materials, including certain books, magazines, films and DVDs Personal imports of meat and dairy products from most non-EU countries Restricted items (special licence required) Firearms Explosives Ammunition Food and plant products subject to restrictions Food and plant products may be refused entry if they: Are not free from pests and diseases Are intended for commercial rather than personal use Were not grown in the European Union Counterfeit and pirated goods Travellers are also prohibited from bringing goods that infringe intellectual property rights, including: Pirated copies of films Illegal copies of music Counterfeit branded products Other unauthorised copyrighted materials UK customs authorities warned that prohibited items will be seized, while travellers found importing restricted goods without the required documentation may face prosecution.

Among the prohibited items are controlled drugs, offensive weapons such as flick knives, self-defence sprays including pepper spray and CS gas, endangered animal and plant species, rough diamonds, and indecent or obscene materials, including certain books, magazines, films and DVDs.

The UK government also bans personal imports of meat and dairy products from most non-European Union countries in a bid to prevent the spread of animal diseases.