Legal matters, which are currently mainly in the spotlight include:
1. Admission of camels in Europe
2. Sale of camel milk in Europe
These legal matters are explained below.
1. Admission of camels in Europe:
The Netherlands:
As of 1 July 2025, it will no longer be allowed to keep dromedaries in The Netherlands. However, the largest camel dairy in Europe, Camel Dairy Smits (www.kamelenmelk.nl ), has been granted an exemption.
The reason that dromedaries are no longer allowed to be kept in the Netherlands is that dromedaries are not on the list of the 30 mammals that can still be kept in the Netherlands. The main reason is that dromedaries are not considered to be highly domesticated. This is in contrast to, for example, the two-humped camels, which are considered to be highly domesticated. A remarkable conclusion, because the domestication process of the dromedary has been almost identical to that of the two-humped camel.
Dutch camel keepers and steakholders have asked the Supreme Court to assess whether the government has ruled correctly by banning the dromedary from the Netherlands. All the more so since there is a danger that other European countries will adopt Dutch law.
On 28 May 2026, the Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal will rule on whether the dromedary is highly domesticated and whether the dromedary may be kept in the Netherlands.
2. Sale of camel milk in Europe.
In many European countries camel milk can be sold as long as it has been pasteurised. Raw unprocessed camel milk is generally not allowed to be sold in shops.
In some countries however, consumers may buy raw camel milk directly from the farm. This is also possible in the Netherlands. Under specific legal conoditions, raw milk may even be delivered to consumers or distribution centres. Camel Dairy Smits meets all these requirements, which means consumers can easily order raw unprocessed camel milk- chilled or frozen- online (https://oasismilk.com).