Dairy products
RestrictedMilk, butter and soft cheese face strict import limits.
Rules for dairy products vary by destination and origin, and the official customs or biosecurity authority at the border makes the final decision.
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What this means
Dairy products are foods made from animal milk, such as milk, butter, yogurt, cream, and cheese. Some dairy can carry animal diseases, so many countries restrict it, especially from places affected by foot-and-mouth disease. Travelers usually have to declare dairy and may need to show where it came from.
What's included
- Liquid milk and cream
- Butter and ghee
- Yogurt and soft fresh cheeses
- Hard and semi-hard cheeses
- Milk powder and powdered dairy mixes
- Infant formula made with milk
What's not included
- Hard cheese covered in detail as its own item (hard-cheese)
- Eggs and egg products (eggs)
- Meat or products prepared with meat (meat-poultry)
- Plant-based 'milk' alternatives (packaged food/beverages)
- Infant formula when treated as a specialised item (infant-formula)
Common types & examples
Liquid milk
Often restricted from foot-and-mouth-disease countries; small amounts may be allowed for infants.
Soft and fresh cheese
Allowed in some places only if solid and not poured like a liquid (ricotta and cottage cheese are often excluded).
Hard cheese
Generally the most widely accepted dairy where it contains no meat; covered separately.
Powdered dairy
Powdered or dry milk and infant formula are sometimes allowed in small, sealed quantities.
Butter and yogurt
Treated as dairy and may be restricted depending on origin and disease status.
Why it's regulated
Dairy is regulated mainly for animal-disease control, because milk and milk products from regions with foot-and-mouth disease can spread that disease to a destination's livestock.
Typical allowance
Some destinations allow solid cheeses and small sealed quantities of powdered milk or infant formula (the EU permits powdered infant formula and special foods under about 2 kg), but liquid milk and many dairy items from disease-affected countries are restricted; rules vary by destination and origin.
Provisional — confirm with your destination
Before you travel
Documents you may need
- Customs/biosecurity declaration form
- Receipt or original packaging showing country of origin
- Proof of origin documentation for products from disease-affected areas
- Doctor's note for medically required infant or special foods (where relevant)
Next steps
- 1.Check your destination's dairy rules, especially for liquid milk
- 2.Declare all dairy products on your customs/biosecurity form
- 3.Keep receipts and packaging showing the country of origin
- 4.Carry a doctor's note for any medically required infant or special foods
- 5.Choose sealed, shelf-stable dairy over fresh items when possible
Official sources
- International Traveler: Milk, Dairy, and Egg Products· USDA APHIS
- Prohibited and Restricted Items· U.S. CBP
- Taking animal products, food or plants with you in the EU· European Commission
- Bringing or mailing goods to Australia· Australia DAFF
Always verify with the official authority for your destination.
Country-specific rules
The default posture above applies worldwide. For the exact rules at your destination, check the country guide.
View country rules →