Travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural products on their U.S. Customs forms. U.S. agricultural inspectors will examine your items to be sure they meet entry requirements and do not harbor harmful foreign pests or diseases. U.S. inspectors have the authority to make a final determination about whether your products can enter the country. We recommend that you keep receipts and original packaging of agricultural products as proof of their country of origin.
As long as you declare all the agricultural products you are bringing with you, you will not face any penalties—even if an inspector determines that they cannot enter the country.
Scroll down for more information on how to declare items at Customs.
Most milk and dairy items from countries with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) are not allowed. To find out a country’s status for FMD, visit our animal disease status page.
There are three exceptions:
Travelers may bring back milk or dairy products from countries without FMD if they have official documentation to prove the product’s country of origin. The following items are considered official documentation: package label; written documentation; proof of travel (passport or travel itinerary); origin of flight; receipt of sale; CBP document (based on the officer’s interview of the traveler); a meat inspection certificate; or certificate of origin.
Certain items may enter from any country. These include:
Please contact us directly regarding the requirements for camel’s milk.
USDA does not regulate breast milk. Please contact the Food and Drug Administration at 301- 796-0356 or www.fda.gov for more information.
USDA does not allow travelers to bring back most eggs or egg products from countries affected with certain serious poultry diseases:
To find out a country’s status for these diseases, visit our animal disease status page.
There are two exceptions:
Travelers may bring back fresh or preserved eggs from countries without these diseases if they have official documentation to prove the product’s country of origin. The following items are considered official documentation: package label; written documentation; proof of travel (passport or travel itinerary); origin of flight; receipt of sale; CBP document (based on the officer’s interview of the traveler); a meat inspection certificate; or certificate of origin.
Egg shells (with egg white and egg yolk removed) may enter in passenger baggage if they are decorated/etched/painted. They must be clean and dry, and passengers may not bring back more than 12 per person.
There are specific requirements for moon cakes entering in passenger baggage:
If you have any questions or need more information, contact USDA’s Animal Products Imports and Exports at (301) 851-3300 or e-mail APIE@USDA.gov