Documents needed to import food into the EU

Last updated: 17 October 2026. Rules differ by product and Member State. Confirm each point with the authorities of the country where the food enters.

Food entering the EU needs a customs declaration and supporting documents. Depending on the product, it also needs official health certificates and a Common Health Entry Document (CHED) filed in TRACES. Which documents apply depends mainly on whether the food is of animal or non-animal origin, and on where it comes from.

Documents for every food shipment.

• Customs declaration. Goods are released for free circulation through a customs declaration (the Single Administrative Document).
• Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). It is lodged before the goods arrive, using data from documents such as the commercial invoice and the bill of lading. The deadlines are at least 24 hours before loading at the foreign port for container sea freight, 4 hours before arrival for bulk sea freight, 1 hour before arrival by road, and 4 hours before arrival at the first EU airport for long-haul flights.
• Proof of origin, when you claim preferential duty. The form depends on the trade agreement, for example Form A, EUR 1 or EUR MED, or an invoice declaration. For invoice declarations, any exporter may issue one up to EUR 6,000, and above that only an approved exporter may. Non-preferential origin certificates are normally issued by chambers of commerce.
• EORI number. It identifies the operator in dealings with EU customs. Importers outside the EU receive one the first time they lodge a customs declaration or ENS.
• Import licences for quota goods, and payment of duties and charges.

Animal-origin food.

Meat, dairy, fish and other products of animal origin face the strictest controls. According to the Commission:

• The food must come from a third country that the Commission has authorised for that product category, and from an approved establishment.
• It must carry an official certificate issued by the exporting country's competent authority.
• It must be presented at an EU border control post, where officials carry out documentary, identity and physical checks. How often depends on risk.
• A CHED-P is completed in TRACES. Part I is completed by the operator responsible for the consignment in the EU, and pre-notifies arrival to the border control post. The border control post completes Part II. The authority at the final destination completes Part III.

Plants and plant products use a CHED-PP and a phytosanitary certificate. The Commission pages do not state one notice period for pre-notification, so confirm the timing with the border control post.

Non-animal-origin food.

Most food of non-animal origin is not subject to country authorisation. Only certain high-risk food and feed faces official controls. Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 sets that list by hazard and country of origin, and the Commission reviews it at least every six months. For listed products, expect official certificates and a CHED-D. Check the current list for your product and origin country before you ship.

Rules that apply to all imported food.

Imported food must also meet EU food law, including traceability under Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, and EU labelling rules. Some requirements differ between the 27 Member States, so ask the authorities of the country where the food enters.

Checks to run before the shipment leaves.

1. Compare the CN or HS code on the invoice, packing list, certificate and customs declaration.
2. Compare the country of origin, exporter and manufacturer across the certificate, invoice and bill of lading.
3. For animal-origin food, check that the manufacturer's establishment is on the EU list for that country, and that the certificate covers the product category.
4. Compare quantities, weights, container numbers and seal numbers across the certificate, packing list and bill of lading. Border control posts check identity against the paperwork.
5. Check that the importer's details and EORI number match on every document.
6. Check that the proof of origin matches the invoice and the claimed trade agreement.
7. Look up the current high-risk list for your product and origin country, and confirm which CHED type applies.
8. Agree with your importer or customs agent who files the ENS and CHED Part I, and by when. Keep a dated record of every check.

Common questions.

Which documents does every food shipment into the EU need?

A customs declaration, supported by documents such as the commercial invoice, the transport document and, where preferential duty is claimed, a proof of origin. Food of animal origin, and certain other foods, also need official certificates and a Common Health Entry Document (CHED) filed in TRACES.

What is a CHED?

A Common Health Entry Document, filed in the EU's TRACES system to notify the arrival of a consignment at a border control post. CHED-A covers live animals, CHED-P animal products, CHED-PP plants and plant products, and CHED-D food and feed of non-animal origin.

Does food of non-animal origin need a health certificate?

Not by default. Certain high-risk food and feed listed in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 faces official controls and certificates, and the Commission reviews that list at least every six months. Check the current list for your product and country of origin.

Sources.

• European Commission, Import controls of food and feed Q&As
• European Commission, Veterinary border control
• European Commission, TRACES modules and CHED types
• European Commission, Access2Markets: customs clearance documents and procedures
• European Commission, Access2Markets: health and consumer protection for animal and plant products
• European Commission, Access2Markets: EORI number

This guide is information, not legal advice. Use the Commission's Access2Markets tool and the Member State authority to confirm the documents for your product and country.