An expensive mistake: CBP warns about the $10,000 fine for those who arrive in the U.S. by plane.
An expensive mistake: CBP warns about a $10,000 fine for those arriving in the U.S. by plane
Travelers can check online the list of food products subject to restrictions or prohibitions
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The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) warns on its official website about a mistake that can result in a fine of up to $10,000. Upon arriving in U.S. territory by plane, people must declare all food products they are transporting by submitting a specific form.
The mistake that can result in a $10,000 fine for those arriving in the U.S. by plane
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) establishes criteria for the admissibility of vegetable, dairy, meat, and other animal products that return with travelers and determines what can be admitted, according to CBP on its official website.
People have the option to bring foods such as fruits, meats, or other agricultural products, depending on the region or country from which they travel, but it is essential that they declare all products.
The immigration authority points out that if a traveler declares all the agricultural products they are carrying, they will not be penalized even if an agricultural specialist determines that they cannot enter the country. On the other hand, if they do not declare them, they could face up to $10,000 in fines and penalties.
The agency noted that this rule does not apply to foods sent to the United States by mail, courier services, or other means. This measure only covers foods (fruit, cheese, meat, etc.) that enter the passenger's luggage for personal use.
What foods are prohibited and what can enter the U.S.
The federal government indicates on the portal that meat, milk, eggs, poultry, and their products, including products made from these materials, are prohibited or restricted from entry.
On the website designed to identify which products are allowed, the agency explains that the prohibition is due to the fact that foods may contain foreign pests and diseases that harm American agriculture and the environment.
"A major outbreak of pests or diseases could mean higher food prices, scarcity of certain products, and devastating losses for our farmers and ranchers," they warn.
Almost all fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables (whole or cut) are prohibited from entering the United States due to the potential risk of pests and diseases to agriculture. To find out what the specific restrictions are, people must consult the agency's website.
Likewise, the authorities recommend that travelers keep receipts and original packaging of agricultural products as proof of their country of origin.
How to declare food products to enter the U.S.
To comply with federal regulations and correctly declare products, CBP has electronic forms that travelers can fill out online to then save and print.
Form CBP 6059B Customs Declaration is available in English and other languages (French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, etc.). Passengers can complete it before or during their trip, according to CBP.
The document includes instructions for completion and requires filling it with information such as full name, place of stay in the U.S., country of residence, passport number, flight number, and other data of interest to customs authorities.
Passengers must list the description of the items they are traveling with and the value of the products individually. People with additional questions about whether a particular plant or vegetable product can be imported into the U.S. can contact the USDA Plant Import Information Line at 877-770-5990 (toll-free) or by email to the following address: plantproducts.permits@aphis.usda.gov.
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