Lumpy skin disease triggers UK import restrictions on raw milk and bovine by-products from Spain, France and Italy.

Products affected by UK restrictions

Imports of the following bovine-related goods are currently not permitted from Spain, France or Italy into Great Britain:

• Live cattle
• Germplasm (such as bovine semen and embryos)
• Offal (except diaphragm and masseter muscles)
• Raw milk and unprocessed dairy products, including colostrum
• Certain animal by-products, such as untreated hides and skins

These restrictions are veterinary measures aimed at preventing the spread of LSD, a viral disease affecting cattle. Although LSD does not pose a risk to human health, it can have serious implications for trade and livestock health.

Restrictions already in place for France and Italy

Earlier this year, the UK introduced similar controls for France and Italy. In July 2025, a partial relaxation allowed certain thermised milk products from these countries to be imported, provided they met updated maturation conditions. However, raw milk, unprocessed dairy, and untreated animal by-products remain restricted.

The recent outbreak in Spain adds another high-volume trade country to the list of restricted origins, increasing the potential for customs complications and delays.

Why this matters for importers and exporters

These targeted trade restrictions can cause:

• Delays at the UK border due to customs or veterinary inspections
• Rejected shipments if documentation is incomplete or non-compliant
• Additional requirements for processing declarations and health certification
• Disruption to established supply chains, sourcing patterns and timelines

Even businesses that don’t directly import the restricted products may experience knock-on effects, particularly if working with suppliers, carriers or logistics partners across affected regions.

How Gaston Schul helps businesses stay compliant

At Gaston Schul, we support businesses trading between the UK and EU to manage the evolving complexity of customs regulations and veterinary controls. Our services include:

• Compliance checks for affected product categories
• Guidance on whether a health certificate or safeguard declaration is required
• Advice on risk mitigation and alternative sourcing strategies
• Liaison with UK border authorities to ensure smooth customs clearance

We closely monitor all trade and regulatory developments across the UK and EU, helping our clients stay ahead of disruptions and ensure compliant, efficient import and export operations.