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Bitter experience for British truck drivers at the ferry in Holland: their ham sandwiches are also affected by the new Brexit trade rules.
The BBC showed Dutch TV recordings on Tuesday in which customs also checked the drivers' provisions.
The customs officers in Hoek van Holland explain to the drivers in the report of the station NPO1 that they are no longer allowed to export animal foods to Great Britain.
When the customs officers see a driver's provisions, they ask: “Is there any cold cuts on it?” He nods, and all the loaves wrapped in aluminum foil are collected.
“Can't I take the ham down and at least keep the bread?” The driver tries to negotiate.
Without success.
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“No, everything will be confiscated,” says the officer in the port of Hook of Holland near Rotterdam.
“Welcome to Brexit, I'm sorry.” The driver took it with humor.
It is not known whether this is an isolated case or a regular practice.
Alleged fear of animal diseases
However, according to a report by the British Guardian, the corresponding guidelines for drivers say: “From January 1, 2021, you can no longer bring POAO (products of animal origin) such as meat or dairy products into the EU”.
The European Commission explains the ban through the possible transmission of pathogens that hide in meat and dairy products and cause animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease or swine fever.
The British authorities had already warned against this prospect in December.
“God help the poor customs officer who throws away a driver's grocery box.
I wouldn't be surprised if there are fist blows when they try, ”freight forwarder Simon Wilkinson told The Guardian.
"When drivers go to Europe, they take things with them for days and weeks."