What happens if I do not declare animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products 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 animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products 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.

Where does this rule come from?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in Traveling From Another Country. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural and wildlife products to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials.”

How does United States compare with other countries on animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products, 19 limit it and 1 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products can I bring into United States?

Declare

You can bring Animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products into United States, but you must declare it.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Required

Limit No stated quantity

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

Last verified 2026-09-19

Traveling From Another Country USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Questions about Animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products in United States

Do I have to declare animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products at United States customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products 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 animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products 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 animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products 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 Traveling From Another Country. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural and wildlife products to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials.”
How does United States compare with other countries on animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products, 19 limit it and 1 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Cut flowers and wreaths Eggs Fish and other fishery products Food, plant and animal products under agency control Fruits and vegetables