Do I have to declare meat and fish at United States customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare meat and fish 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 meat and fish 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 meat and fish out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking meat and fish out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United States limit for meat and fish 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: Meats, Poultry, and Seafood. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “USDA does not allow travelers to bring back most cattle, swine, sheep or goat meat or meat products from countries affected with certain serious livestock diseases:”

How does United States compare with other countries on meat and fish?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 3 prohibit meat and fish, 15 limit it and 2 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Meat and fish can I bring into United States?

Restricted

You can bring Meat and fish into United States only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

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

International Traveler: Meats, Poultry, and Seafood USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Questions about Meat and fish in United States

Do I have to declare meat and fish at United States customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare meat and fish 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 meat and fish 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 meat and fish out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking meat and fish out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for meat and fish 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: Meats, Poultry, and Seafood. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “USDA does not allow travelers to bring back most cattle, swine, sheep or goat meat or meat products from countries affected with certain serious livestock diseases:”
How does United States compare with other countries on meat and fish?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 3 prohibit meat and fish, 15 limit it and 2 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

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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

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Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products Cut flowers and wreaths Eggs Fish and other fishery products Food, plant and animal products under agency control