Bringing Food Into the US: What You Must Declare at Customs
In this guide
Quick answer: When bringing food into the US, you must declare all meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, animals and plant or animal products, including soup, in your checked bags, carry-on and vehicle. You do it by ticking “Yes” to the agricultural question on CBP Form 6059B. Declare items even if you think they are allowed. Undeclared prohibited items are confiscated and a civil penalty of up to $1,000 can apply for a first offence involving non-commercial quantities.
If you are flying in from home with a bag of your mother’s cooking, pickles, dried fish or sweets for your new neighbours, this one is for you. Food is the most common thing travellers get wrong at the US border, and the rules are about animal and plant disease, not taste. Here is how to stay on the right side of them.
What do you have to declare when bringing food into the US?
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says all travellers must declare meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, animals, and plant or animal products. That includes soup. The rule covers checked bags, carry-on bags and vehicles.
- Tick “Yes” to the agricultural question (Question 11) on CBP Form 6059B.
- Also tick “Yes” if you have been on a farm or near livestock.
- Declare items even if they seem permitted. You remain responsible for declaring and presenting them for inspection.
What happens if you do not declare?
- Undeclared prohibited items are confiscated and disposed of.
- Civil penalties may apply, up to $1,000 for a first-time offence involving non-commercial quantities.
- Penalties are much higher for commercial use.
- The same fines apply to prohibited agricultural products sent by international mail.
Which foods are restricted or prohibited?
| Item | What CBP says |
|---|---|
| Fruits, vegetables, plants | Some may enter if declared, inspected and pest-free, depending on country of origin. Certain plants and plant parts for growing need a foreign phytosanitary certificate in advance. |
| Meat and animal products | Many fresh, dried and some canned meats are prohibited because of diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and BSE. Products with meat from restricted countries, such as beef broth, are usually prohibited. |
| Soil | Not allowed without an advance permit. Pure sand, such as a small container of decorative beach sand, is usually allowed. |
| Live animals and birds | Only with certification, permits, inspection and quarantine. State rules may apply too. |
| Hunting trophies, game carcasses, hides | Severely restricted. |
| Biological materials | Most need a strict permit. |
Is the rule different for Canada and Mexico?
Many products from Canada and Mexico are allowed, but there are exceptions. From Canada, seed potatoes need a permit and fresh tomatoes and bell peppers are prohibited. From Mexico, stone fruit, apples, mangoes, oranges, guavas, sopote, cherimoya and sweet limes need a permit.
A simple checklist before you pack
- Write down every food item you plan to carry.
- Check each against the CBP agricultural page, because rules change with disease outbreaks.
- Leave fresh meat, meat-based sauces and anything you cannot identify at home.
- Declare everything you do carry, and let the officer decide.
If you are moving permanently, use our moving abroad checklist and documents checklist alongside this one.
Common mistakes
- Not declaring because “it’s only homemade”.
- Assuming canned means allowed. Some canned meats are prohibited.
- Forgetting that farm visits matter. Officials may inspect and disinfect shoes or clothing, and vehicles must be cleaned of soil.
- Mailing food home to the US. Penalties apply to mail too.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to declare packaged snacks?
CBP says to declare agricultural items and products. Declare them and let the officer inspect.
Can I bring spices?
The CBP page we reviewed does not list spices specifically, so declare them and ask the officer.
Who do I contact for plant or animal permits?
The CBP page names USDA APHIS PPQ for plants and USDA APHIS NCIE for live animals and animal products.
Key takeaways
- Declare all food, plant and animal products, including soup, on Form 6059B.
- Prohibited items are confiscated, and fines can reach $1,000 for a first non-commercial offence.
- Rules change, so check before you travel.
Related guides
- Moving abroad checklist
- Documents needed to move abroad
- Your first 90 days in a new country
- Lost or stolen passport abroad
This page is general information, not legal advice. Customs rules change, so check CBP before you travel. Last updated: October 2026.
Sources
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Bringing Agricultural Products to the United States