In light of the recent reported issues about Foot and Mouth Disease in Slovakia, Hungary and Germany, increased biosecurity measures are in place in Austria, especially as the outbreak in Hungary is close to the Austrian border. As a result, there are also stricter rules in place regarding the import of meat, dairy and animal products into the UK from Austria (see the gov.uk link below).
Furthermore, there have been longstanding restrictions on importing such products from the UK into Austria – infrequency of checks is not to be taken as carte blanche to flout laws.
Beware of unscrupulous cross-border butchery services on social media
In addition, we would reiterate not to use the services of cross-border butchery services targeting consumers, as crop up on Facebook groups from time-to-time. Typically these operations are man-with-a-van providers offering deliveries of meat products that are similar to the cuts of meat available in the UK from Hungary and Slovakia to major Austrian cities.
Such providers frequently target “British in country/region/city” groups or operate their own private Facebook groups. They are sometimes seasonally active in the run-up to Christmas/New Year or Easter, while others may operate year-round.
We do not endorse or approve advertisements for such services on our websites or in our Facebook groups. As with any service advertised on Facebook or other social media platforms, we advise people to be aware that unscrupulous traders might be operating.
Potential issues arising may include:
- ordered products may not be delivered as arranged.
- advance payments may be needed, that are not refunded.
- providers may not have refund policies in place.
- meat may not be transported under required conditions (e.g. in fully refrigerated vans).
- providers may contravene Austrian laws on importing of meat products as well as Austrian tax and employment laws.
Further information
AGES English Information page
BMF – Customs – Prohibitions and Restrictions on Imports
GOV.UK – Bringing food into Great Britain