Import of food/feed and dietary supplements for personal use

Food (animal products) from EU/EEA countries:

It is permitted to import food containing animal products from countries within the EU/EEA for personal consumption, whether the products are transported by mail or in luggage. This applies to food purchased in the EEA area, produced there or that has undergone border controls in a European country.

Products must be in consumer packaging with a list of ingredients.

There is not really a specified amount that people can bring with them, but people need to keep customs benefits in mind. Customs might have comments it if people are importing an abnormally large amount.

Information on duty free imports can be found on the web page of the Icelandic Revenue and Customs office.

Food businesses:

Animal products that are produced in EU/EEA countries in accordance with EU food legislation can in general move freely across the borders of member states. Additional rules apply for food business operators. They need be aware of the special guarantees that apply for Salmonella in imported meet and eggs and the particular distribution rules that apply for Campylobacter in fresh poultry meat. However, those rules do not apply to imports for personal use.

Furthermore, the distribution of unpasteurised milk and milk products is prohibited in Iceland.

You can read more about importing food of animal origin (animal products) from EEA /EU countries for sale and distribution, here and here.  Import of animal products from EEA/EU countries, originating in 3rd countries, see here.  

Food (animal products) from 3rd countries

This refers to food (and supplements) that contain meat, milk (dairy products, milk protein) and eggs from non-EEA countries.

It is prohibited to import for private consumption food containing animal products from third countries, (i.e. countries outside the EU/EEA), in personal luggage or by post. This includes cooked, canned, dried, freeze-dried, and dehydrated meat and dairy products.

The following are exempt from the ban:

1. Up to 10 kg of meat and dairy products from the Faroe Islands and Greenland.
2. Up to 2 kg of powdered infant milk, infant formula and medical food (or medical pet food) that is necessary for the person concerned for medical reasons as long as the product is in the manufacturer's consumer packaging; it is stored at room temperature and the seal is unbroken unless the product is in use (e.g. in the case of a passenger travelling).
3. Gutted or prepared fishery products or processed fishery products and their combined quantity does not exceed the weight limit of 20 kg or the weight of one fish. Also applies to shrimp, lobster, mussels and oysters.
4. Up to 2 kg of other animal products (other than dairy and meat products) that are considered food, such as honey, live oysters, mussels and snails
5. Larger quantities of animal products must meet the conditions for the import of animal products from third countries for sale/distribution. Such consignments must be accompanied by an official health certificate and must be inspected at an approved border inspection post upon import.

Products must be in unopened consumer packaging with a description of the contents (list of ingredients).

For information regarding duty free imports please check the web page of the Icelandic Revenue and Customs office.

Why not?  Personal imports of food products of animal origin (e.g. meat and dairy products) may pose a threat to animal health in Iceland and the EEA, as they may carry various pathogens that cause animal diseases. Examples are foot-and-mouth disease and swine fever, but if such diseases reach the country, it can have serious consequences. Therefore, strict rules apply to the import of animal products from third countries, i.e. countries outside the European Economic Area, as stipulated in Regulation No. 1251/2019 on the import of animal products for private consumption.

All vegan foods for personal consumption are permitted.

Guidelines on the European Union website on the import of animal products for private consumption.

See also:

• Importing horse riding equipment to Iceland
• Importing fishing equipment to Iceland

Food businesses:

For import of food of animal origin (animal products) from 3rd countries for sale and distribution, see here and here.

Products of non-animal origin (PNAO)

PNAO from 3rd countries:

Passengers travelling to Iceland from 3^rd countries are allowed to bring non-animal food (PNAO) for personal consumption (<30kg). 

PNAO subject to special monitoring: Import of certain types of food of non-animal origin (PNAO) from certain third countries are monitored, as they have been defined as high-risk products by the EU Commission.  However, those rules do not apply to imports for personal consumption in smaller quantities (i.e.  PNAO under 30 kg).

Products must be in unopened consumer packaging with a description of the contents (list of ingredients).

PNAO from EU /EEA countries:

• Personal import of food of non-animal origin is also in free flow from EU/EEA countries (no import permission is needed). 
• Products must be in unopened consumer packaging with a description of the contents (list of ingredients).

For food (dietary) supplements, see here (or next drop-down list below)

Food businesses:

For import of food of non-animal origin (PNAO) from 3^rd countries for sale and distribution, see guidelines here and here.

Dietary /food supplements

Legislation on ingredients in food supplements varies from country to country, and there are especially differences when it comes to countries within and outside the EEA region.

If the following substances are present in dietary supplements or in quantities exceeding those stated in the table, which are imported into the country, the shipment can be expected to be stopped by customs. The list is not exhaustive but contains the most common ingredients in dietary supplements that cause the product to be stopped. The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority does not grant permits or exemptions for the import of products containing these ingredients. It is not possible to present a prescription for dietary supplements containing drugs.

Notes:

Unauthorized /forbidden Novel food: The substance is classified as a novel food and has not been authorized as such. Further information on Novel food.

Prohibition according to regulation: The substance is listed in EU Regulation No. 1925/2006, implemented by Regulation 327/21010.

Food businesses:

See here about requirements for import of food supplements for sale or distribution.

Animal feed & feed supplements

From third countries: It is prohibited to import for personal use food containing animal products from third countries, i.e. countries outside the EEA. Exempt from the ban is up to 2 kg of medical feed (special feed / e. dietetic feed) for pets that is necessary for animals owned by the person concerned for medical reasons as long as the product is in consumer packaging from the manufacturer; it is stored at room temperature and the seal is unbroken unless the product is in use (e.g. in the case of a passenger on a trip).

From EEA countries: It is permitted to import pet food for personal use (not for sale or distribution) from EEA countries, and this applies to pet food transported by post or in luggage. In such cases, the person concerned does not need to be a registered food importer. Rules on customs benefits apply to such imports.

Feed businesses:

Imported feed and feedstuffs for distribution in Iceland must be registered. The following documents are necessary for registration:

Feed for food producing animals: 

1. Official registration number of the producer and seller
2. List of ingredients stating percentages of each raw material including all additives (E-numbers and names)
3. Declaration of the chemical composition

Feed for pets:

1. Official registration number of the producer and seller
2. List of ingredients in declining mass order including all additives (E-numbers and names)
3. Declaration of the chemical composition

Feed containing animal products and originating from countries outside EEA must fulfil the above-mentioned conditions for 3rd country imports.

See further information for importing feed for sale and distribution here.