Can I bring agricultural, forestry, fishery and livestock produce to United States?
- Official classification
- Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap)
Declare
You can bring agricultural, forestry, fishery and livestock produce into United States, but you must declare it.
What you need to know
- No stated quantity
- Channels: Carried with the traveler
Important
This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.
Official sources
- Bringing Food into the U.S. U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Questions about Farm and food products in United States
- Do I have to declare agricultural, forestry, fishery and livestock produce at United States customs?
- Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.
- What happens if I do not declare agricultural, forestry, fishery and livestock produce in United States?
- Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.
- Can I post or ship agricultural, forestry, fishery and livestock produce to United States instead of carrying it?
- Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
- Can I take agricultural, forestry, fishery and livestock produce out of United States?
- United States publishes no separate rule for taking agricultural, forestry, fishery and livestock produce out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
- Does the United States limit for agricultural, forestry, fishery and livestock produce apply per person or per family?
- Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
- Where does this rule come from?
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in Bringing Food into the U.S.. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “All agriculture items must be declared and are subject to inspection by a CBP Agriculture Specialist at ports of entry to ensure they are free of plant pests and foreign animal diseases.”
- How does United States compare with other countries on agricultural, forestry, fishery and livestock produce?
- Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit agricultural, forestry, fishery and livestock produce, 13 limit it and 7 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Bringing Food into the U.S. · verified 2026-09-19
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — 19 CFR Part 148 — Personal Declarations and Exemptions · verified 2026-09-20
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — 19 CFR 145.31 Importations not over $800 in value · verified 2026-09-20
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Bringing Food into the U.S. · verified 2026-09-19
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Bringing Food into the U.S. · verified 2026-09-19