Do I have to declare plants and plant products at United States customs?

Only above the allowance. Up to 12 plants and plant products there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.

What happens if I do not declare plants and plant 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.

Do duty-free purchases count toward the United States allowance for plants and plant products?

Yes. What you buy in an arrival duty-free shop comes out of the same allowance, so the shop does not add to what you may already be carrying.

Can I post or ship plants and plant 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 plants and plant products out of United States?

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

Does the United States limit for plants and plant 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 International Traveler: Plants, Plant Parts, Cut Flowers, and Seeds. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Travelers may bring 12 or fewer bare-rooted plants (no soil, sand, earth, or other growing media) if they meet the following conditions:”

How does United States compare with other countries on plants and plant products?

Of the 21 countries covered here, 0 prohibit plants and plant products, 21 limit it and 0 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Plants and plant products can I bring into United States?

Restricted

You can bring Plants and plant products into United States only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 12 piece

What you need to know

12 piece
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: Plants, Plant Parts, Cut Flowers, and Seeds USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Questions about Plants and plant products in United States

How many plants and plant products can I bring into United States?: United States allows 12 plants and plant products per traveller. Above that the goods are treated as an import and duty becomes payable. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare plants and plant products at United States customs?: Only above the allowance. Up to 12 plants and plant products there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.
What happens if I do not declare plants and plant 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.
Do duty-free purchases count toward the United States allowance for plants and plant products?: Yes. What you buy in an arrival duty-free shop comes out of the same allowance, so the shop does not add to what you may already be carrying.
Can I post or ship plants and plant 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 plants and plant products out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking plants and plant products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for plants and plant 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 International Traveler: Plants, Plant Parts, Cut Flowers, and Seeds. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Travelers may bring 12 or fewer bare-rooted plants (no soil, sand, earth, or other growing media) if they meet the following conditions:”
How does United States compare with other countries on plants and plant products?: Of the 21 countries covered here, 0 prohibit plants and plant products, 21 limit it and 0 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

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Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

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