The Do’s and Don’ts

of Passengers

Importing Agricultural

Products into the

United States

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:

Do

• 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.

Factsheet

Plant Protection and Quarantine October 2004

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, 14th and

Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250–9410 or call

(202) 720–5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity

provider and employer.

United States Department of Agriculture • Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service • Safeguarding American Agriculture