New food products exempt from EU border controls: what changes in 2026 for importers

Key data

If you import or export processed food to the EU, this regulation saves you time and money at the border, but only if you have the correct documentation. The Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/908, published on 3 July 2026, amends Regulation (EU) 2021/630 to expand the list of composite products exempt from official controls at border control posts of the European Union. The key is private certification: without it updated, the exemption does not apply and the product remains subject to ordinary controls.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation (EU) 2021/630 already established a list of composite food products that could circulate to the EU without official border controls, provided they met certain health and private certification requirements. The new Regulation 2026/908 introduces two specific changes:

• Expansion of the list of exempt products: New categories of processed composite foods are incorporated that were not previously included.
• Update of private certification requirements: The conditions that private certification documents must meet for the exemption to be valid are modified.

The new products added to the list of exempt products are:

Essential condition: to benefit from the exemption, all these products must comply with the health standards required by the EU and prove compliance through private certification updated according to the new requirements of this regulation.

Economic and operational impact

The exemption from official controls at border control posts has a direct impact on the costs and timing of import operations:

• Reduction of border processing times: Exempt products do not undergo official inspection at the border control post, eliminating waits that can take hours or days depending on traffic volume.
• Elimination of official control fees: Physical border controls generate fees and inspections that disappear for products included in the exempt list.
• Reduction of administrative burden: The documentary process is simplified for product categories now included, although updating private certification to the new requirements is required.
• Cost of documentary adaptation: Companies already operating with products from the new categories will need to review and update their private certification documentation. This is the only new cost generated by the regulation.

The net balance for operators meeting the requirements is clearly positive: lower operational costs at the border in exchange for a one-time documentary update.

Who does it affect?

• Importers of processed food to the EU working with cereals, prepared vegetables, fruits, tree nuts, sauces, condiments, seasonings or confectionery.
• Exporters from third countries sending these products to the European market and wanting to benefit from the border control exemption.
• Logistics operators and customs agents managing the transit of processed composite foods at EU border control posts.
• Manufacturers of composite products incorporating ingredients from the now-exempt categories in their supply chain.
• Foreign trade advisors and food compliance consultants who need to update their clients' documentary procedures.

Practical example

A Spanish company importing processed sauces and condiments from a supplier in Mexico previously had to submit each shipment to official controls at the EU border control post, with associated inspection costs, fees and waiting times.

With Regulation 2026/908 in force, those products are included in the exempt list. To benefit from the exemption, the company must:

1. Verify that the products comply with the health standards required by the EU.
2. Update the private certification documentation in accordance with the new requirements established in Regulation 2026/908.
3. Present that updated private certification in each import operation.

Result: the shipment enters the EU without undergoing official border control, with the resulting savings in inspection fees and waiting times. If the company does not update the private certification, the product does not benefit from the exemption and remains subject to ordinary controls.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify if your products are on the new list: Check if you work with processed cereals, prepared or preserved vegetables, fruits, tree nuts, sauces, condiments, seasonings or confectionery. If so, you can benefit from the exemption.
2. Review current private certification: Compare your current private certification documentation with the new requirements of Regulation 2026/908. If it does not meet the new standards, the exemption will not apply.
3. Update private certification documentation: Adapt private certification models to the updated requirements before your next import operation with products from the new categories.
4. Coordinate with suppliers and customs agents: Inform your suppliers in third countries and your customs agents about the new documentary requirements to avoid border incidents.
5. Verify compliance with health standards: The exemption only applies if products comply with the health standards required by the EU. Ensure your suppliers can prove this.

Official source

Consult the complete regulation at the official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202600908