What fruits and vegetables can cross the border? The following dried products are generally allowed but you must declare and present them to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for inspection: Beans. Dates. Figs. Nuts (but not chestnuts or acorns) Okra. Peas. Raisins. Szechwan peppercorns. Click to see full answer.
Can I bring fresh fruits and vegetables from Canada into the US?
Travelers crossing a land border into the United States may bring, for personal consumption, some ( but not all) fresh fruits and vegetables that were grown on a commercial orchard/farm in Canada, if all of the conditions below are met and confirmed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists at the border:
What kind of food can you bring across the border?
Other items that are generally accepted include packaged coffee, tea, condiments and spices, among others. Refrain from bringing rice across the border; according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's border patrol website, rice can harbor unwanted insects.
What fruits can you not bring into the US?
Citrus: travelers are prohibited from bringing any type of fresh citrus fruit—even citrus bearing a U.S.-grown label—into the United States. Coconut: coconut is prohibited entry if liquid and/or any portion of the husk is present.
What fruits can you bring from Mexico into the US?
Additionally, stone fruit, apples, mangoes, oranges, guavas, sopote, cherimoya and sweet limes from Mexico require a permit. Avocados from Mexico that are peeled, halved and have the seed removed are enterable if in liquid or vacuum-packed but are subject to inspection.
What fruits can cross the border?
Permitted fruits are bananas, blackberries, cactus fruits, dates, dewberries, grapes, lemons (sour), leeches, melons, papayas, pineapples, and strawberries. Vegetables are permitted, except for those on the prohibited list above. Okra, however, is subject to certain restrictions.
What vegetables can cross the border?
Travelers may bring commercially canned fruits and vegetables (not containing any meat products) into the United States. All such products must be declared and presented at entry, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists will make the final determination as to what products may enter.
Can you take fruit across the Mexican border?
All fruits and vegetables are subject to inspection. Fresh fruits and vegetables need to be clean and may be prohibited if they have insects or diseases.
What food is not allowed across the US border?
Cooked eggs and foods such as breakfast tacos, egg plates and hard boiled eggs are prohibited. The regulations governing meat and meat products are stringent. You may not import fresh, dried or canned meats or meat products or foods that have been prepared with meat.
Can you take vegetables to USA?
Travelers may bring commercially canned fruits and vegetables into the United States as long as you declare them on your U.S. Customs form. Home-canned products are not allowed entry because canning practices can vary and may not remove all pest and disease risks.
Is it illegal to bring fruit from another country?
Depending on the country of origin, some fruits, vegetables, and plants may be brought into the United States without advance permission, provided they are declared, inspected, and found free of pests.
Can I bring vegetables into Mexico?
As a rule of thumb you are allowed to bring into Mexico whatever you need for the time period you will be staying in Mexico. You are not allowed to bring food, fruits and/or products that are not "company" packed and sealed.
What food can I not take into Mexico?
Bringing Food Into Mexico: Mexico Customs and Border RulesSmoking tobacco.Honey.Dried, roasted, or preserved fruits and vegetables including coffee, herbs, and spices.Dry cooked, packed, and bottled foods.Smoked poultry such as chicken or turkey.More items...
Can I take groceries into Mexico?
You are permitted to bring the following food items into Mexico. Spices (vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, mace, amoms, cardamoms, anise, coriander, fennel, ginger, saffron, turmeric, thyme, bay leaves, curry, etc.)
What food is allowed to bring into us?
10 Foods You Can (And Can't) Bring Into the U.S.Canned and Packaged Goods. ... Dairy. ... Chocolate, Candy and Baked Goods. ... Nuts. ... Spices and Condiments. ... Fruits and Vegetables. ... Beverages. ... Grains, Pasta and Bread.More items...
What food is allowed across the US border?
And, in general, bread, cookies, crackers, cakes, granola bars, cereal, and other baked and processed snacks are also admissible. Do not take border-crossing food inspections or queries lightly. You must declare all food items you have on your person or in your vehicle to the border agent, no exceptions.
What kind of food can you pack in a carry-on?
Items allowed for travel in your carry-on include baby food, bread, candy, cereal, cheese, chocolate, coffee grounds, cooked meats, cookies, crackers, dried fruits, fresh eggs, meat, seafood, and vegetables, frozen foods, gravy, gum, honey, hummus, nuts, pizza, salt, sandwiches, and all sorts of dry snacks; even live ...
What food products are required to be commercially packaged and sealed?
The passenger must provide proof of the origin of beef, pork, poultry, cervid meat, and pet food to bring them into the United States.
What are the foods that are not considered meat products?
Failure to declare food products can result in up to $10,000 in fines and penalties. The following are generally admissible: Condiments: ketchup (catsup), mustard , mayonnaise , Marmite and Vegemite and prepared sauces that do not contain meat products. Olive oil and other vegetable oils.
What is considered admissible food?
Candy and chocolate. Cheese - Solid cheese that does not contain meat are admissible. Liquid milk and milk products intended for use by infants or very young children are admissible if in a reasonable amount or small quantity for several days. Juices - Commercially packaged.
What are the ingredients that are admissible in a food label?
Nuts - Roasted. Bakery items, candy, chocolate, and dry mixes containing dairy and egg ingredients commercially labeled and presented in final finished packaging are generally admissible. Fruits and Vegetables:
Is a tamarind bean pod allowed in the US?
Tamarind bean pod. Water chestnut- corm or nut only. Animal Products: Meat, milk, egg, poultry, and their products, including products made with these materials are either prohibited or restricted from entering the United State. For further information, please visit the Don’t Pack A Pest website. Pork and pork products are not admissible ...
Can you bring raw potatoes from Canada?
While commercial imports are permitted under stringent guidelines, travelers from Canada should avoid bringing raw potatoes with them into the United States.
Does food for resale apply to food sent to the US?
The information contained in this answer does not apply to food being sent to the United States (U.S.) through the mail, courier services or other means. This information only covers food (fruit, cheese, meat, etc.) entering the United States in the passenger baggage for personal use. For information on food for resale, ...
What can't you bring on a plane?
The restrictions of liquids in carry-on luggage still applies to food gifts, which means you can't carry-on wine, spirits, beer, sodas or juices. Also forbidden are in-flight are foods that are gel-like. If you are bringing cranberry sauce to celebrate Thanksgiving with your family abroad, it will have to go in your checked luggage. Similarly check-in any salsa, jam, jelly, gravy, maple syrup, soups and creamy spreads or dips. Even seemingly solid foods like peanut butter or Nutella are banned on board unless they are in containers that are 3 oz or less and are in your 1-qt clear resealable bag. Also restricted are gel packs designed to keep food cold.
What items can you not conceal in a food inspection?
Other items that may be restricted include drugs, alcohol, fireworks, firearms, live animals and insects.
Can you bring beignets in checked luggage?
If you are traveling domestically in the U.S., then most foods are okay to be packed in your checked luggage, providing that you use common sense. A box of beignet mix from New Orleans or a package of artisanal bacon from Virginia in your checked luggage is easier to manage than a whole salmon you bring home from your fishing trip in Washington state. Carefully consider the best way to keep things safe and fresh.
Can you bring food across the border from Mexico?
US Food Restrictions. When entering the United States from Mexico or Canada, travelers may bring bakery items and some types of cheese across the border without worrying about being inspected. Other items that are generally accepted include packaged coffee, tea, condiments and spices, among others. Refrain from bringing rice across ...
Can you bring potatoes to Canada?
When crossing into Canada over the U.S. border, you are not permitted to bring any potatoes or temperate fruit. As far as meat goes, you are allowed to cross with any type of seafood -- aside from putterfish and Chinese mitten crabs -- as well as 44 lbs. of meat per person; of those 44 lbs., only 24 lbs. can be beef.
Do you have to declare food when flying internationally?
If you are flying internationally, you will have to declare any food items that you are bringing into a country. To avoid disappointment and confiscation upon arrival it's best to check the local laws and regulations. Most countries will not allow any fruits or vegetables to be brought in; some cheeses are banned and regulations on meat products can be stringent as well.
Can you bring meat to Mexico?
Mexico Food Restrictions. When making your way into Mexico across the U.S. border, you cannot bring any meat or produce into Mexico. According to Adventure Mexican Insurance services, these rules are not always enforced at the Mexican border, but you're better off safe than sorry; attempting to bring fruit or meat from the U.S.
What are the effects of pests on crops?
Plant pests and disease, as well as invasive plant material can cause crop loss and also damage lawns, ornamental plants, and trees. Plant pest infestations can result in increased costs to consumers due to pest eradication efforts as well as lower crop yields.
Why are agricultural items destroyed?
All agricultural items that are abandoned or confiscated at ports of entry are destroyed in accordance with USDA approved destruction methods to prevent spread of pests and diseases. Agricultural pests and diseases are a threat to U.S. crop production and to the livestock industry.
Can you abandon a declared agriculture item at the port of entry?
Declared agriculture items, in non-commercial quantities, that are found to be prohibited or restricted by the CBP Agriculture Specialists can be abandoned at the port of entry should the traveler wish to continue into the U.S.
Can you import plants without a restriction?
Biological specimens of plant pests, in preservatives, or dried, may be imported without restriction, but are subject to inspection upon arrival in the United States. This is done to confirm the nature of the material and to make sure it is free of “hitchhiking” plant pests or diseases.
Can you import seeds from Mexico?
This includes many vegetables and fruits; however, seed potatoes from Canada currently require a permit and fresh tomatoes and bell peppers are prohibited from Canada. Additionally, stone fruit, apples, mangoes, oranges, guavas, sopote, cherimoya and sweet limes from Mexico require a permit. Avocados from Mexico that are peeled, halved and have the seed removed are enterable if in liquid or vacuum-packed but are subject to inspection.
Do you need a permit for avocados in Mexico?
Additionally, stone fruit, apples, mangoes, oranges, guavas, sopote, cherimoya and sweet limes from Mexico require a permit. Avocados from Mexico that are peeled, halved and have the seed removed are enterable if in liquid or vacuum-packed but are subject to inspection.
What items can you not bring into Canada?
Below is a general list of items you are prohibited from bringing into Canada: Firewood. Campers should buy firewood on site, burn firewood on site, and leave all unused firewood on site. Most types weapons such as tasers, brass knuckles, and pepper spray. Certain knives, even those used for hunting or fishing.
What are some examples of restricted items?
Examples of restricted items include firearms, certain fruits and vegetables, animal products, animal by products, and some animals. If you are carrying any of the following items you MUST disclose them to the US border official: Fruits and vegetables. Plants and cut flowers. Meat and animal products. Live animals.
What is the fine for not declaring agricultural items at the US ports of entry?
The fine for failing to declare agricultural items at U.S. ports of entry is $300 for first time offenders. You may check the general admissibility of various plants by consulting APHIS’s FAVIR database. Cooked eggs and foods such as breakfast tacos, egg plates and hard boiled eggs are prohibited.
How much is a fine for bringing a prohibited item across the border?
Fines for bringing a prohibited or restricted item across the border range form $100 to $50,000. Here is a general list of the more common items that you are restricted from bringing into the U.S.: As a general rule, prepared foods ...
Can you import canned meat?
The regulations governing meat and meat products are stringent. You may not import fresh, dried or canned meats or meat products or foods that have been prepared with meat. Beef products are generally ok if there is no known bovine disease in the country of origin.
How many pounds of potatoes are in a bag?
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: one bag up to 4kgs (8.8 lbs) of US #1 potatoes/person in a commercial package, 15 packages or less up to 250 kgs (550 lbs) of fresh fruits and vegetables per person (excluding potatoes), restrictions on some fresh fruit and vegetables from California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
Can you bring chicken and eggs into Canada?
poultry meat (other than fully cooked, canned, commercially sterile meat products) Raw poultry and eggs are not allowed into Canada at this time. I called the National Import Service Centre to see if a person can bring in eggs from a State such as Tennessee, which is currently not on the list of affected States.
Can you bring raw poultry into Canada?
Raw or uncooked poultry are not allowed at this time. For a complete list of which food products you can or cannot bring into Canada, visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's website . Because pest and disease situations are constantly changing, these requirements may be adjusted at any time.
