REMINDER: Don’t Carry Prohibited Plant and Animal Products Back to the Mainland

Print
fruit market in Puerto Rico

Contact: aphispress@usda.gov

Whether you’re visiting Puerto Rico for a summer blast and exciting local events, or you’re heading to the Mainland to visit family, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds you that all agricultural commodities are subject to inspection at airports and other ports before you leave for the Mainland.

USDA prohibits or restricts the movement of some agricultural products from Puerto Rico into the Continental United States. These include fruits, vegetables, pork, and/or plants and seeds for planting.

These items could harbor a dangerous stowaway—an invasive pest or disease. Just one piece of fruit or a single plant carrying an invasive pest or disease could lead to millions of dollars in damage to U.S. agriculture and the environment, expensive eradication efforts, lost trade revenue, and higher food prices.

African swine fever is an example of one of these diseases. After African swine fever was detected in the Dominican Republic in 2021, USDA increased its efforts to look for and prevent the disease from reaching Puerto Rico and the Continental United States. The disease spreads easily through live pigs, pork and pork products, and on equipment and clothing. It would devastate America’s swine, pork industry, and food supply if it reached the Continental United States. 

It’s important to know which agricultural items are allowed or prohibited when traveling from Puerto Rico to the Continental United States. If you have prohibited agricultural products in your bags or on your person when you go through port inspections, USDA inspectors will have to take them. Unfortunately, they will not be returned. If you fail to declare these items, you can be subject to delays and civil penalties ranging from $100 to $1,000 per violation. Visit the USDA website for a list of allowed and/or prohibited products.

You can also contact your local USDA office for the most up-to-date information:

  • USDA offices for travelers from Puerto Rico to Continental United States
  • Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Call Center: 787-919-0580

Thank you for doing your part to protect U.S. plant and animal agriculture and keep our food supply safe!