Fridge inspection by customs?

colyboy

colyboy

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Has anybody had fridge inspection by customs over the last few weeks? Just interested because Mrs CB likes to take a few ready dishes ready to just heat up. Is it worth the risk? We have nice under floor storage and space for a cool box with them in which will last about four plus hours on the crossing from Newhaven to Deippe Sunday 12 June.
Colyboy
 
We didn’t use the ferry,we used the tunnel a few weeks ago, and had no checks whatsoever.
So unless it’s a random check I doubt you will be searched,and what you got to loose but a few bits of food!
 
I travelled Newhaven to Dieppe returningredients on May 28th, neither leg were customs interested in the fridge when they came on board they only check the bathroom for stowaways and did a quick 360 on the spot. As always it's a risk you take but would think you should be ok

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No checks for us either. I suspect they’re not interested in personal consumption.
 
Our recent trips to France have simply involved them checking for stowaways.

No interest in anything else.
 
IF you carry food in the fridge which isn't allowed, you can plead ignorance and accept a minor punishment.

IF you are found to be carrying banned food in a cool box tucked away under your floor then you are clearly smuggling and the punishment will reflect this.

As ever, your decision.

Gordon
 
Came through tunnel early May with the fridge full of food, nobody was interested only stopped to turn gas off

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Mrs CC had the fridge and freezer packed to the gunnels with food and not even a sniff from the frenchies😁
 
Jo662 said:
We didn’t use the ferry,we used the tunnel a few weeks ago, and had no checks whatsoever.
So unless it’s a random check I doubt you will be searched,and what you got to loose but a few bits of food!
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You could also (though unlikely, especially if you don't try to be a smart arse if stopped) be fined quite a large amount.

As happened when a group tried to bring lots of milk across the border into the EU, and argued aggressively with the customs person when they were stopped. Which did them no favours as they lost the milk and were fined a rather eye-watering sum.
 
Went over end March. Customs checked van, including under seats, under bed, garage and looked in fridge (albeit very briefly as it was virtually empty!). Asked for docs for scooter and, again, very brief look with no questions. No probs and very polite etc.
 
Stoosal said:
Went over end March. Customs checked van, including under seats, under bed, garage and looked in fridge (albeit very briefly as it was virtually empty!). Asked for docs for scooter and, again, very brief look with no questions. No probs and very polite etc.
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What route did you take?

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Came through Hook of Holland and no inspection. Just interested in how long we were staying.
 
We go on Tuesday. Not taking any dairy stuff but will be taking some tin stuff (no not Fray Bentos Pies) and other bit's n bobs.
Said before the worse that can happen is they giloutine? you.
 
No checks of the fridge on the way out but a full check of the m/h on the way back.

All doors opened and beds lifted as well as toilet/shower checked. Obviously looking for persons rather than items. Just as well as the shower was full of plants we were bringing back from what used to be our French base, pre Brexit. It looked like a cannabis farm.:unsure:

But wasn’t!:cool:
 
No problems at Plymouth or Roscoff on Thursday/Friday
🍻

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maison said:
No checks of the fridge on the way out but a full check of the m/h on the way back.

All doors opened and beds lifted as well as toilet/shower checked. Obviously looking for persons rather than items. Just as well as the shower was full of plants we were bringing back from what used to be our French base, pre Brexit. It looked like a cannabis farm.:unsure:

But wasn’t!:cool:
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You don’t mention the fridge on the way back maison but from what you said I suspect not. Can you please confirm whether they look inside the fridge or not out of interest 😜
 
I don't think most customs officers are interested in taking food off us. They will have problems with storage/disposal I should imagine. I always cook and take a pasta bake for the first night and milk and bread for tea and toast in the morning, still going to do that when we travel to France in August/September unless the French start getting stroppy and decide to check, then I will sneak a KitKat in my handbag, that will do me for the first night along with a glass or two of cider:giggle:(y)
 
royandsharont said:
You don’t mention the fridge on the way back maison but from what you said I suspect not. Can you please confirm whether they look inside the fridge or not out of interest 😜
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No. They were not bothered about small spaces, only ones large enough to hide a person……….




……..or perhaps a body.:eek:
 
We were searched on the way out from Poole to Cherbourg last week but they ignored the fridge. Strangely they searched me but not Nick. They were very friendly. Wish I’d brought more stuff but Sod’s law if I had they would have binned it.
 
Went out early May and back in on Thursday, via tunnel. Only check was gas. No dairy etc in fridge but we did have some dog food.
Next time maybe we’ll take some milk for breakfast.

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Came via Caen a couple of weeks ago. No warning signs at Portsmouth, an obvious thing to do to prevent issues and hold ups clearing. There was no checks at Caen, just passport control.
 
Rapido925M said:
IF you carry food in the fridge which isn't allowed, you can plead ignorance and accept a minor punishment.

IF you are found to be carrying banned food in a cool box tucked away under your floor then you are clearly smuggling and the punishment will reflect this.

As ever, your decision.

Gordon
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Good advice
 
I think the story a year or so back of food being confiscated was found to be a hoax.

Our recent trip to Spain and back only involved a quick look around the inside of our van by customs in Plymouth. She did not open the fridge.
 

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