The United States restricts or prohibits the entry of many agricultural products, which can carry foreign pests and diseases that harm American agriculture and our environment. A major pest or disease outbreak could mean higher grocery bills, shortages of certain foods, and devastating losses for our farmers and ranchers. Help us keep American agriculture healthy by following the guidance on this page about products you may want to bring into the United States.
Fruit and Vegetables that you CAN and CANNOT bring back to the U.S.
Almost all fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables (whole or cut) are prohibited from entering the United States because of the potential pest and disease risks to American agriculture. This includes fresh fruits or vegetables given to you on your airplane or cruise ship. Please plan to leave them behind.
Specific guidance for travelers entering the United States at Canadian land borders with this category of commodities can be found here.
Travelers may bring commercially canned fruits and vegetables into the United States as long as you declare them on your U.S. Customs form. Home-canned products are not allowed entry because canning practices can vary and may not remove all pest and disease risks.
Specific guidance for travelers entering the United States at Canadian land borders with this category of commodities can be found here.
Most dried fruits and vegetables are not allowed into the United States without meeting special requirements to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases. The following dried products are generally allowed but you must declare and present them to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for inspection: Beans, dates, figs, nuts (but not chestnuts or acorns), okra, peas, raisins and Szechwan peppercorns.
Specific guidance for travelers entering the United States at Canadian land borders with this category of commodities can be found here.
If you still have questions about whether a particular plant or plant products (fruits, vegetables, plant parts, seeds, soil, or souvenirs made from wood or plants) can be brought into the United States, please contact USDA’s Plant Import Information Line at 877-770-5990 (toll-free) or by email at plantproducts.permits@aphis.usda.gov
Choose from the list below to get more information on agricultural items that are Allowed and Not Allowed to be brought into the United States of America.
Travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural products on their U.S. Customs forms. U.S. agricultural inspectors will examine your items to be sure they meet entry requirements and do not harbor harmful foreign pests or diseases. U.S. inspectors have the authority to make a final determination about whether your products can enter the country. We recommend that you keep receipts and original packaging of agricultural products as proof of their country of origin.
If there is something special you want to bring back, you’ll need to plan ahead and work closely with our import specialists to make sure you understand and meet all of our requirements.
USDA-trained dogs help sniff out plants and animal products in luggage and carry-on items on international flights.
Make sure you include any agricultural items on your Customs Declaration Form. This form provides Customs and Border Protection officials with basic information about who you are and what you are bringing into the United States, such as agricultural and wildlife products and whether you have visited a farm prior to traveling to the United States.
When you declare, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection official can check your items. This is the only way to be certain that your items are free of plant pests and animal diseases.
