Do I have to declare strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) at United States customs?

There is nothing to declare — strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United States limit for strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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: Fruits and Vegetables. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Almost all fresh fruits and vegetables (whole or cut) are prohibited from entering the United States because of the potential pest and disease risks to American agriculture.”

How does United States compare with other countries on strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian)?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 3 prohibit strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian), 6 limit it and 10 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.

How much Strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) can I bring into United States?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) into United States.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Required — surrender

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: Fruits and Vegetables USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Questions about Strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) in United States

How many strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) can I bring into United States?: strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) may not be brought into United States at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) at United States customs?: There is nothing to declare — strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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: Fruits and Vegetables. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Almost all fresh fruits and vegetables (whole or cut) are prohibited from entering the United States because of the potential pest and disease risks to American agriculture.”
How does United States compare with other countries on strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian)?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 3 prohibit strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian), 6 limit it and 10 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.

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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