FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - What kind of food can you bring into the US?
Old Jul 28, 2023 | 11:57 am
  #194  
AirborneLocksmith
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Originally Posted by Jakkz
Im flying from São Paulo to London through Miami and I would like to bring with me some Brazilian peanuts. As always I know that bringing fruits and in general not processed food is not allowed to bring into country but how about just transiting?
Originally Posted by michab
The most important thing to know is that (at least in general - there may be/have been a few exceptions, but I don’t know if they still exist or where) U.S. airports don’t allow for international transit without entering the U.S. and being cleared by CBP. That means that you need to go through the same procedures as anyone arriving in the U.S., including clearing through customs.
Originally Posted by zephyr17
There is no such thing as "transiting" the US. All travelers must formally "enter" the US and are subject to the same requirements whether or not they are connecting to a flight out of the country or not.

I know English isn't your first language, so am unsure if you meant that processed foods are not allowed, which is generally incorrect. Most processed foods, except meat products, are allowed.

In any case, answer the questions honestly and declare any food you have. If you bring in a food item that isn't allowed but declared it, you aren't in any trouble and haven't broken any laws. They'll just confiscate the item.

I cannot answer your question about Brazilian nuts specifically. But if you want them, and your connection allow enough time for secondary inspection, bring them. Just declare them and be able to get at them easily. The customs inspector will know whether or not they're allowed. The very worst thing that can happen is just that they'll take them.
Miami is one of the few U.S. airports that have international-to-international direct checked baggage transfers, which means that items that may not be allowed into the U.S. can be packed in the checked bags since passenger don't get access to the bags (unless the CBP finds a reason to inspect it manually) at Miami airport.
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