Bringing food from the EU to Russia in 2025: rules and tips

You’re wandering a market in Europe: the air is rich with the scent of cured meats, cheeses and warm pastries. It’s hard not to grab a treat to bring home. The catch is that at the border your delicacy may not just be turned away—it can be taken from you, sometimes without any fine. Here’s why that happens and how to avoid the hassle.

What happened?

Starting January 2025, bringing meat and dairy products from European Union countries into Russia is not allowed. The reason is an outbreak of a dangerous animal disease in Germany. The ban covers sausages, cheeses, yogurts, jamón and even certain milk-based sweets.

Fish and canned fish are still permitted. With everything else, caution pays off.

What if you buy them anyway?

If border officers ask to check your bag and find, say, cheese or sausage, the items are simply seized. There’s no fine, but the purchase won’t travel any farther. This has already happened at airports—for example, on flights from Istanbul to Saint Petersburg—and at the border with Estonia. Officers aren’t rummaging through belongings, but if they spot restricted goods, they follow the rulebook.

Why does it matter?

First, it’s a waste of money—your thoughtful gift never makes it home. Second, it’s frustrating, especially if you chose it with care. And all of it comes down to not knowing the rules. It’s worth checking in advance what’s allowed and what isn’t.

How not to get caught out?

— Before your trip, check guidance from Rosselkhoznadzor or simply look online to see whether products from a specific country can be brought in.

— Don’t buy meat or cheese in European countries, even if the temptation is strong.

— If you have a layover in another country, remember it may have its own restrictions.

— If you really want to bring something for loved ones, choose spices, tea, coffee or items that won’t be taken away.

In the end

Street markets are charming, delicious and full of atmosphere. But without the rules in mind, even an ordinary wedge of cheese can turn into needless stress. To keep a holiday from ending in disappointment at the border, shop with a plan. Sometimes the best souvenir isn’t food at all, but something guaranteed to make it home.