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Can I Take Fishing Bait to France from the UK? - EU Bait Restrictions Explained.
Carp Social | Feature Date: 31st May 2025
A 2025 Guide for UK Carp Anglers
If you’re gearing up for a carp fishing holiday in France, you’re probably picturing misty mornings, screaming alarms, and landing some monster French carp. But before loading up your van with your favourite boilies and hemp buckets, there’s an essential question to tackle:
Can I take fishing bait to France from the UK in 2025?
The short answer: it’s complicated — and in most cases, not advisable. Since Brexit, the rules around transporting fishing bait across the Channel have tightened considerably, especially if your bait contains animal by-products, which most boilies, pellets, and groundbaits do.
🚫 Post-Brexit Bait Restrictions: What You Need to Know
Since January 2021, the EU considers the UK a “third country,” applying strict controls on animal by-products entering Europe. This includes many popular fishing baits such as:
Boilies
Pellets
Groundbait with animal-derived ingredients
Prepared particles (like maize or hemp)
These baits are classified as “high risk” and cannot be brought into France without a veterinary health certificate and a formal declaration at a recognised Border Control Post (BCP).
🧫 Why Is the EU Doing This?
These regulations aim to prevent the spread of serious animal diseases like foot and mouth, African swine fever, and avian influenza. These illnesses can be transmitted through contaminated animal products — including those found in fishing bait.
Even if your bait looks harmless, ingredients such as eggs, fishmeal, blood products, milk powders or other animal derivatives carry a biosecurity risk if introduced into local ecosystems or food chains. The EU’s restrictions protect wildlife, livestock, and aquaculture across member states by controlling unregulated imports of animal-based bait.
❌ Bringing Your Own Bait? Think Again.
To legally transport bait from the UK to France, you must:
Obtain an export health certificate (which can cost £100’s)
Declare your bait at a French Border Control Post
Prove the bait was produced to EU animal by-product standards
For most anglers on a week-long fishing trip, this process is expensive, complicated, and often not worth the risk — including the possibility that your bait may be seized at the border.
✅ What Are Your Bait Options in France?
Fortunately, the French carp fishing scene has adapted. Here are some reliable options:
Buy Bait Locally in France
Many top French carp fisheries sell bait on-site, including boilies, pellets, and particles tailored to their waters.Use EU-Based Bait Suppliers
Several UK bait companies now operate from within the EU, allowing you to pre-order your usual bait and have it delivered directly to your French fishing venue or a nearby pickup point — avoiding border hassles altogether.Check Fishery Rules
Some venues require or recommend using their own bait. This often means high-quality, locally produced bait designed specifically for their stock.
✍️ Final Word: Keep It Legal, Keep It Simple
So, can you take fishing bait to France from the UK? Technically, yes — but only with a pile of paperwork and the risk of border complications. For 99% of carp anglers travelling in 2025, the best move is to buy bait locally or use an EU-based supplier.
Plan ahead to keep your trip hassle-free and spend more time fishing — not arguing about boilies with customs officials.
🔍 Quick Recap
Most UK fishing bait is not legally allowed into France due to post-Brexit animal by-product rules.
These rules protect Europe from serious animal diseases.
Buy bait in France or order from EU-based suppliers to stay compliant.
Many French carp lakes offer bait deals or require lake-specific bait.
Choose your venue wisely — from wild waters to fully serviced lakes.
Save this guide. Share it with your fishing mates. And make sure you understand the rules before battling border control. When it comes to carp fishing holidays and bait, understanding the rules is your biggest advantage.
Compiled by Carp Social | May 2025
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general guidance based on regulations current as of 2025. Carp Social is not responsible for changes in legislation, customs enforcement, or individual circumstances. Always check with official government sources and your destination fishery before travelling. Import rules may vary depending on product and location. Anglers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws.
EU bait import laws 2025 - Can I take boilies to France?
Reference: UK Government. (2024). Import of fishing bait for commercial and recreational fishing purposes (IIN ABP/28). GOV.UK
This official guidance outlines the current regulations on bringing fishing bait containing animal by-products into the EU from Great Britain, including restrictions, documentation requirements, and quantities permitted under specific conditions.
Taking bait to France from UK & carp fishing bait restrictions?
If you’re planning carp fishing holidays in France, it’s essential to understand the latest rules around fishing bait. Since Brexit, many UK anglers are asking, “Can I take boilies to France?” or “What bait can I legally bring on a fishing trip to Europe?” The short answer is: not all bait is allowed — especially those containing animal by-products like fishmeal, eggs, or blood products. Knowing the current EU bait import laws can help you avoid fines or bait confiscation at the border. Whether you’re heading to a well-known French carp lake or planning a drive-and-survive adventure, having the right, legal carp fishing bait for France is just as important as choosing the perfect venue. This guide covers everything from Brexit bait rules to legal hookbaits, ensuring your fishing holiday in France runs smoothly from the moment you pack the van.