The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) has published updated biosecurity regulations that impose an absolute ban on meat, dairy, and eggs for travellers arriving from non-EU/EEA countries, including Nigeria, the UK, the US, and Canada. Customs officials are authorised to immediately confiscate and destroy any unlabelled or unpacked food items at the port of entry.
Zero Tolerance for Unlabelled Food
Under the new directive, MAST has established a zero-tolerance policy for loose or homemade packaging across all food categories. According to the official statement: "Customs will confiscate unlabelled and unpacked food and feed products. It is essential that imported products are in a sealed (unopened) packaging with a list of ingredients."
This means that local spices, processed flours, or dried ingredients packed in ziplock bags without official manufacturer labels will be seized and destroyed upon arrival. The rule applies equally to all travellers, regardless of their country of origin.
Strict Rules for Third-Country Travellers
The severity of the restrictions depends on the traveller's departure point. Countries outside the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA), including Nigeria, the UK, the US, and Canada, are classified as "third countries." For these travellers, the following items are absolutely banned for private consumption:
- All Meat Products: This includes fresh, cooked, cured, dried, freeze-dried, or dehydrated meat. Popular African travel snacks like suya, kilishi, and local beef jerky are strictly banned.
- Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, butter, yoghurts, and milk proteins.
- Eggs: Fresh or processed eggs.
Permitted Items with Strict Limits
Despite the bans, third-country travellers can bring in certain items under strict conditions. Fishery products, such as gutted, prepared, or processed fish, shrimp, lobster, mussels, and oysters, are allowed up to a maximum weight of 20 kg (or the weight of one whole fish). Baby formula and medical food are permitted up to 2 kg, provided they are in unbroken manufacturer packaging and do not require refrigeration.
Plant-based foods, grains, and vegan options (PNAO) are allowed up to 30 kg, as long as they come in sealed consumer packaging with an ingredient list. Additionally, up to 2 kg of honey, live oysters, mussels, and snails are allowed.
Impact on Nigerian Travellers
For Nigerian travellers, the new rules mean that traditional food items like suya and kilishi, which are often carried as travel snacks, will be confiscated. The ban also affects dairy-based products commonly used in Nigerian households. Travellers are advised to check the MAST website before packing any food items to avoid disappointment at the border.
The move is part of Iceland's broader biosecurity strategy to protect its agricultural sector from foreign pests and diseases. MAST has urged all travellers to comply with the regulations to avoid penalties and delays.
Comparison with UK Regulations
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the UK government published similar guidance detailing restrictions on food and animal products for travellers entering Great Britain. Travellers carrying items protected under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) may face additional permit requirements before entering the country.
These developments highlight a global trend towards stricter border controls on food imports, driven by concerns over food safety and biodiversity. Travellers are encouraged to declare all food items and seek clarification from customs authorities if in doubt.
