Can I bring infant milk and special medical food to United States?
- Official classification
- Powdered infant milk, infant food and special foods required for medical reasons
Restricted
You can bring infant milk and special medical food into United States only within the stated limits.
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
- International Traveler: Milk, Dairy, and Egg Products USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Questions about Infant milk and special medical food in United States
- Do I have to declare infant milk and special medical food at United States customs?
- Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.
- What happens if I do not declare infant milk and special medical food 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 infant milk and special medical food 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 infant milk and special medical food out of United States?
- United States publishes no separate rule for taking infant milk and special medical food out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
- Does the United States limit for infant milk and special medical food 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 International Traveler: Milk, Dairy, and Egg Products. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Liquid milk and milk products for infants or small children are allowed in small quantities (enough for several days' use)”
- How does United States compare with other countries on infant milk and special medical food?
- Of the 21 countries covered here, 1 prohibit infant milk and special medical food, 9 limit it and 11 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — International Traveler: Milk, Dairy, and Egg Products · 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 — International Traveler: Milk, Dairy, and Egg Products · verified 2026-09-19
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — International Traveler: Milk, Dairy, and Egg Products · verified 2026-09-19