Do I have to declare meat and fish at Italy customs?

Only above the allowance. Up to 20 kilograms of meat and fish there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.

What happens if I do not declare meat and fish in Italy?

Under Agenzia delle dogane e dei Monopoli, Carta doganale del viaggiatore, if you declare the excess yourself: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under ADM, Carta doganale del viaggiatore: the goods are held until you leave the country; the goods are confiscated. Under Decreto legislativo 26 settembre 2024, n. 141, Articolo 96, comma 1, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed; the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship meat and fish to Italy instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take meat and fish out of Italy?

Italy publishes no separate rule for taking meat and fish out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Italy limit for meat and fish apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) states it in Viaggiare con prodotti di origine animale, prodotti alimentari o piante nell'UE. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Se arrivi da un paese extra UE, non sei autorizzato a trasportare prodotti a base di carne o prodotti lattiero-caseari. Sono ammessi anche quantitativi limitati di pesce o di prodotti a base di pesce.”

How does Italy compare with other countries on meat and fish?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 3 prohibit meat and fish, 15 limit it and 2 let it through. Italy is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Meat and fish can I bring into Italy?

Restricted

You can bring Meat and fish into Italy only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 20 kilogram

What you need to know

20 kilogram (44.09 lb)
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Viaggiare con prodotti di origine animale, prodotti alimentari o piante nell'UE European Commission (Your Europe)

Questions about Meat and fish in Italy

How much meat and fish can I bring into Italy?: Italy allows 20 kilograms of meat and fish per traveller. Above that the goods are treated as an import and duty becomes payable. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare meat and fish at Italy customs?: Only above the allowance. Up to 20 kilograms of meat and fish there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.
What happens if I do not declare meat and fish in Italy?: Under Agenzia delle dogane e dei Monopoli, Carta doganale del viaggiatore, if you declare the excess yourself: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under ADM, Carta doganale del viaggiatore: the goods are held until you leave the country; the goods are confiscated. Under Decreto legislativo 26 settembre 2024, n. 141, Articolo 96, comma 1, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed; the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship meat and fish to Italy instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take meat and fish out of Italy?: Italy publishes no separate rule for taking meat and fish out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Italy limit for meat and fish apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) states it in Viaggiare con prodotti di origine animale, prodotti alimentari o piante nell'UE. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Se arrivi da un paese extra UE, non sei autorizzato a trasportare prodotti a base di carne o prodotti lattiero-caseari. Sono ammessi anche quantitativi limitati di pesce o di prodotti a base di pesce.”
How does Italy compare with other countries on meat and fish?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 3 prohibit meat and fish, 15 limit it and 2 let it through. Italy is among the ones that set a limit.

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