Statutory guidance

Import of frogs’ legs for human consumption - Import Information Note (IIN) BAL/4

Published 2 December 2024

1. General information 

This Import Information Note (IIN) must be read in conjunction with the IIN for general information for imports of products of animal origin (POAO), which provides information on pre-notifications, veterinary checks, risk categories etc. 

References to European Union (EU) legislation within this document are references to direct EU legislation which has been assimilated in Great Britain (assimilated direct legislation), as defined in the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 and can be viewed on the UK legislation website. 

2. Scope 

Import conditions for frogs’ legs for human consumption into GB. 

Frogs’ legs’ means the posterior part of the body divided by a transverse cut behind the front limbs, eviscerated and skinned, of the species RNA (family Ranidae). 

3. Country of origin 

Imports are permitted from trading partners listed in Annex III to Regulation (EU) 2019/626. 

Find specific listing and certification requirements for EU and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries

4. Approved establishments 

Frogs’ legs must be produced in an establishment approved to export to Great Britain (GB). Importers should check prior to importation that the premises are listed on the correct list.  

Find lists of approved plants (excluding the EU)

Find lists of approved establishments in the EU 

If the establishment or plant is not listed, importers are urged to contact the company concerned, who should contact their competent authority immediately. If the plant is not included on the appropriate list when veterinary checks are carried out the consignment is likely to be held and could be rejected and re-exported or destroyed. 

5. Health certification or documentation 

Imports to GB must be accompanied by the appropriate health certificate based on the GB model health certificate. 

Other animal products: model health certificates

This requirement applies to animal products in the high and medium risk categories. Find import risk categories for animals and animal products imported from:

• the EU to GB
• non-EU countries to GB 

6. Contact for further information  

For more information about import requirements, contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) imports team:

Centre for International Trade - Carlisle
Eden Bridge House
Lowther Street
Carlisle
CA3 8DX

Email: imports@apha.gov.uk 

Telephone: 03000 200 301