drewguy

The time I made such a declaration at SFO they sent my bag to the supplemental ag scanner (about a 30 second delay) on the ground that the chocolate might have fruit in it (or something like that).

stanj

That routinely happens to me at SFO (and EWR and IAH). Only once in many declarations have I been waived through.

Must be my suspicious look

Last time at SFO the agent at AG scanner reiterated that we need to declare chocolates and cookies.

kitie carson

Do I have to declare Pre packaged/processed peanuts/nuts ?

Growers brand from Philippines?

seawolf

It is GE member responsibility to truthfully and completely answer GE kiosk questions.

It's not GE member responsibility to evaluate admissibility.

1KChinito

I was told anything that is edible needs to be declared.

Xyzzy

The question asks whether yu are bringing in food. Regardless of whether anything else is or is not asked, the word food is part of the question that I've seen EVERY time I've entered the USA over the last few years. So now ask yourself, "Are peanuts food?" You now have your answer.

ESpen36

You must declare ALL food items that you are bringing into the country. Food is defined as ALL edible items, regardless of whether they are cooked, uncooked, packaged, raw, etc. EVERYTHING must be declared. The officers will determine whether each food item will be allowed entry.

The list of allowable food items changes on a pretty regular basis, based on current infestations, overseas issues, etc. Unless you are always checking the APHIS website, it is unlikely that you will be up to speed on the latest changes to the list of permitted foods from every possible country of origin.

But, as I noted above, it doesn't matter anyway. You don't need to know which foods are allowed vs. prohibited, because you as the traveler MUST declare EVERYTHING, even if you know it is permitted. You cannot make the determination--only the CBP officers and agricultural specialists can make the determination.

If you don't want to worry about losing time at a possible agricultural secondary inspection, there is an easy solution: don't bring any food into the country! But be sure to check you bags very carefully before arrival. Throw out every piece of candy, tea bags, breath mints, etc.....EVERYTHING that can be consumed or used to make a consumable item.

Xyzzy

To add to this I'll point out that it als does not matter where the food came from. It must still be declared. Some people bring snacks with them when they travel and they don't always finish all of them during their trip. I've actually had intelligent people tell me that they don't declare food that they brought with them FROM the U.S. when re-importing it TO the U.S.

ESpen36

Yes! Great point. You must declare ALL food items, regardless of where they originated, whether you brought them with you or picked them up overseas. Also, if you bought food overseas that was of U.S. origin, you still need to declare it when bringing it into the USA. (Even if you could buy the exact same item at an airport vending machine moments after entering the country.)

Don't risk your status--ALWAYS declare!

cxfan1960

Yes, we should declare food even from US. The difference is that their value does not count towards customs exemption limit.

Kenny Idan Rub

Two questions.
1. If I declare something that is not allowed to be imported, does that affect my GE status or can I get a fine?

I want to bring some fruit to the country but I don't know if the fruit I have is allowed so I want to bring it and declare it but I don't want to get in trouble if it's not allowed. If it's not allowed then they can just take t away but I don't want a strike.

2. If I brought food from the US on my trip abroad, and am bringing it back, do I have to declare it?

jasonp622

i had an odd experience at SFO last night. i brought in liquor purchased at duty-free, less than the allowable limit and checked no for the liquor question at the kiosk. SFO was having a GE inspection for all people (probably because the flight was arriving from Mexico). The agent told me that anything you put in your mouth must be declared at the kiosk, even liquor under the allowable limit from duty free. I didn't want to argue with him, especially since he seemed confrontational and said something like "you can lose your first class, whatever you people call it access, you know?". He ended up just giving me a warning, but is what the officer was saying true? Anyone have this experience lately?

1KChinito

Welcome to FT.

1. Fresh fruit is not allowed. Why take a chance? Buy it here in the U.S. If you are caught, you will be on a list. Each time you enter U.S., you will be thoroughly searched. Not worth it.

2. Anything that is edible has to be declared. Origin of a food item is irrelavent.

ESpen36

If we are talking about small amounts of food/agricultural items only, the answer is no, you would most likely not be prosecuted or lose your GE status, AS LONG AS you declared properly and completely. All the officers will probably do is give you a stern lecture and seize the items.


As far as declaring, it doesn't matter what the country of origin is--you MUST declare it. You can check the APHIS website in advance to find out if the fruit is theoretically allowed entry based on its country of origin. Of course, it is always up to the officers who process you at the port of entry. As long as you declare, the worst that is likely to happen to you is they will seize the fruit and give you a stern lecture.

My personal opinion: skip it. It's not worth it the hassle. You probably can find whatever kind of fruit it is at your local supermarket in the States, or at a specialty food store if the fruit is exotic.


YES! All food must be declared, even that granola bar you brought with you from the USA and now are bringing back into the USA. Absoutely everything that is food or can be consumed as, or used to make, food.


**Disclaimer: While I am a frequent international traveler, I am not an attorney and the above does not constitute legal advice.**

emcampbe

This.

Once, I came to YYZ to visit a sick friend, and brought a bag of pretzels for them (don't even ask...). With everything going on...completely forgot to give it to them, and didn't even open my backpack which contained it during my trip. Completely forgot about it....until I got randomed returning to the US. It was still in the Kroger bag...receipt even still there. Realized as soon as he opened my bag to take a look during the random inspection.

Nearly had my Nexus taken away for this...officer gave me a warning that he could have taken it, told me not to do it again, and sent me on my way - don't think he even entered it anywhere. I am thankful for this...after all, it was my fault and I would have fessed up...but also would have been darn inconvenient to cross the border both ways...which I do still do multiple times a year.

Declare every piece of food...no matter what.


1. No - you declare - they decide what can/can not be brought in, and will confiscate it if you can't. Its when you don't declare (even if allowed) when it becomes an issue).

2. Yes - declare it - see my story above...I got very, very lucky

Sorry this is incorrect. Fresh fruit is specifically listed as an item that must be declared (in addition to the generic 'food'). However, that doesn't mean it won't be allowed.

I admit to not reading the full ag regulations, however, my understanding is citrus fruit, even that that you brought yourself out of the US and try to bring back, is the only thing that is blanket banned in terms of fruit (though this was a few years ago, as told to me by a customs officer). Other items may or may not be allowed based on specific type and country of origin, and will be inspected and a determination made on whether it is allowed or not. If a determination can't be made, than yeah, it won't be allowed. But to say fresh fruit 'is not allowed' is incorrect. Whether its worth the hassle of the inspection and having it potentially confiscated is another question completely.