The Do's and Don'ts of Passengers Importing Agricultural Products into the United States

Plant Protection and Quarantine

October 2004

American agriculture is under constant threat of attack from countless enemies. Often, these enemies are microscopic. It takes only one piece of infested fruit or affected meat carried into the United States by an unsuspecting traveler to introduce harmful pests or diseases such as foreign fruit flies or foot–and–mouth disease. Please be aware that many agricultural products, even processed, are prohibited from entering this country. The reason—they can harbor pests and diseases that could devastate U.S. crops, livestock, pets, and the environment.

Failure to declare all food and agricultural products (including dried and even prepackaged items) could result in long delays, fines of $1,000 or more, and/or confiscation of the items. It’s easy to assure a hassle–free travel experience; just declare all agricultural products and, if in doubt, leave prohibited products behind.
It is also important to remember that there are restrictions on agricultural items sent through the U.S. mail. Whether you hand carry or send your items to family or friends, adhere to the following tips to prevent introducing foreign pests, diseases, and weeds into the United States:

Declare any meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, animals, and plant and animal products you are carrying when entering the United States.
Pack items where they will be readily accessible.
Make sure to check “yes” for Questions 11 and 12 on the U.S. Customs Declaration Form when applicable.
Follow the instructions of the Federal officers in the inspection area.
Refer to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Web site at www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/permits or call
(877) 770–5990 to secure the correct documents for importing plant products. For animal products go to www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nice or call
(301) 734–3277.

Don’t

Bring agricultural items that are prohibited or infested.
Bring restricted agricultural products or propagative materials into the United States with out foreign certification.
Import approved agricultural products or plants without the appropriate U.S. permit, inspection, or certification required by APHIS.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326–W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250–9410 or call (202)720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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