Ham sandwich ban from January 1st

[chomalungma]

Well - not quite. But it's something that I can see getting more headlines as 'our brave drivers are banned from taking a ham sandwich into Europe by the EU'

The EU. like many places, controls what food import, especially fresh meat , are allowed in. I am sure some people have seen those TV programmes about Australian customs where customers arriving with food products find them being thrown away.

So now it's ham sandwiches. But it's ok...Yorkie bars will be allowed.

www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/dec/18/lorry-drivers-heading-to-eu-face-ham-sandwich-ban

“God help the poor customs bloke who is going to turf out the driver’s packing up box [food box]. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are fisticuffs if they try,” Simon Wilkinson said. “The thing is, when drivers are going to Europe they pack up their box for days and weeks. The tractor [the cab of the trailer] is basically their home from home. You have microwaves, the works, in your tractor so that if you do get stuck, or if you are away for a week if you are going somewhere like Spain, you are self-sufficient.”

Of course, I do hear that there are supermarkets in Europe selling the most delightful foods though.

[greenlentilandturmeric]

I was going to mention Australia also! They also have a ban of taking fruit between some states internally as well.

But the EU thing is probably bonkers really.

[StopGo]

My lovely cousin is a tans-continental lorry driver, he can be away for several weeks at a time. His packing up box is packed with military precision to cover everything bar fresh bread. Too his box feel his fork.

The 'continental' lads are just as precious with their supplies as well.

[chomalungma]

It might be a case of eating the sandwiches on the ferry before getting through customs.

Unless the customs border is in the UK when you get on the ferry.

I am sure they have got this stuff sorted!

[chomalungma]

The 'continental' lads are just as precious with their supplies as well

Will they sacrifice their lovely European food for a garage sandwich?

[StopGo]

@chomalungma I very much doubt it

[sashh]

I was tasked by a cousin to bring her caramac bars when visiting her in Aus, I had to sign a customs declaration and ensure the packaging hadn't been tampered with and go through the something to declare line.

All worth it though for the cute dog checking everyone out.

[toomuchtooold]

We have this here on the German/Swiss border - Switzerland isn't in the customs union and one of the things they have limits on is meat so if you take your shopping over from Germany to Switzerland you have to hide your mince under the back seat limit your meat purchases to 1kg. Thing is, they almost never check cars, but lorries at least have to stop to submit their paperwork so I could imagine the same applying in Dover. A lot depends on the border guys, how annoying they want to be. Hrm, French customs officers, days after a no deal...

[chomalungma]

When we were in France, we went into Geneva by some back route - as I was trying to avoid the motorway and the vignette.

I love watching the customs programmes and seeing what people try to bring through.

[CaptainMyCaptain]

It seems crazy on first geari8but if there are no reciprocal rules in place then we are in the same position as entering Australia etc. If no laws are in place to cover the import and export of foodstuffs the Customs Officers can't make up their own (as in it's only a sandwich - what if the lorry driver wants to take a whole ham for his pack-up). The only people I blame are the people who voted for this shit show.

[CaptainMyCaptain]

it seems crazy on first hearing

[nosswith]

If you voted for Brexit, another reason to hang your head in shame.

[Girlzroolz]

Isn’t it a very different with places like Australia? It’s the Quarantine staff that take food off you, to prevent bugs and diseases entering the country. Not to do with any Customs, taxes or import arrangements?

[chomalungma]

It’s the Quarantine staff that take food off you, to prevent bugs and diseases entering the country

I think it's the same idea - it's nothing to do with customs or tax - but biosecurity.

[CaptainMyCaptain]

@Girlzroolz

Isn’t it a very different with places like Australia? It’s the Quarantine staff that take food off you, to prevent bugs and diseases entering the country. Not to do with any Customs, taxes or import arrangements?

The point is no rules are in place yet, not the reason for them.

[toomuchtooold]

You were spot on, OP!

Dutch officials sieze non Brexit compliant sarnies - via the Guardian

[BarbaraofSeville]

You can't import meat into the EU without a licence. One of the many benefits of being in the EU that people who voted for Brexit decided they didn't want.

Nothing to stop the drivers stopping at the first supermarket on the continent and restocking of course. Or they might be able to take non meat, non dairy sandwiches with them. Peanut butter?

[chomalungma]

Glad someone saw this.

I am mildly amused by the Daily Mail outrage at the Dutch controlling their borders

[Covine]

Can't they just say it's vegan ham-a-like? Can't taste the difference, according to vegans. WHO WOULD KNOW??!!!