Importing Food into the UK (2026): Step-by-Step Compliance Guide for Food Technologists
(BRCGS-ready | UK legal compliance | HACCP + TACCP + VACCP) Importing food into Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) is not just “customs + delivery”. You (the UK importer / food business) become legally responsible for: Food safety (safe to eat) Legality (meets UK law) Authenticity (not fraudulent / substituted) Traceability (1 step back, 1 step forward) Correct labelling and consumer information This is exactly why Food Technologists are so important in import businesses: you control the system that keeps products legal, safe, and audit-ready. 1) First: set up the UK importer correctly (non-negotiable) A. Register as a UK food business Before you import, the business must be registered with the local authority (Environmental Health). This is a base legal requirement for operating as a food business in the UK. B. Get the essentials for import operations You’ll normally need: UK EORI number (customs identity) A customs agent (or in-house cus...