Any problems bringing chocolates into the U.S.?
 

Are there any restrictions or problems?

The only problems I have is I tend to gain weight and when I stop being worried about that I find that I did not bring enough.

I believe anyone bringing chocolate into the US is required to send some to tigertiger for quality inspection.

http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

It can get a little hot in the summer if your bags sit a long time on the tarmac. My local chocolate shop discourages shipping fresh chocolate in the summer.

I used to bring in kilos of chocolate from Switzerland every time I returned to the US. Never a problem. Do peel off the price tags if any.

My wife and I just bought in a 5 kilogram block of Belgian milk chocolate (Calabeut?) and had no problem with it.

It's a little intimidating coming into the states with any food objects, because at least in PHL it says "All food must be reported or you can be arrested/fined". My wife and I had quite an argument if that included the chocolate we had bought at the airport in AMS. In the end we didn't say anything, they didn't ask, and we were on our way.

I always (at least 50 times in the last 10 years) declare my chocolates to US-costums and never ever had a problem (never had to open the bags or pay anything) - even often got a smile in response.

The 'sniffing' dogs never showed interest in my chocolates either - once I asked at SFO why, and I got the response that they are looking/sniffing for drugs, and that while chocolates can be addictiv they are not considered to be real drugs ...

I have never had any problems. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif

Were that I could, there'd be chocolates for everyone. Thanks for the info.

I've never had problems, but I have read that there are restrictions on bringing back liquor-filled chocolates. Shouldn't be a problem if you are over 21 and you aren't bringing pounds and pounds of the stuff.

we bring back pounds of it, we just are happy to comply with a secondary ag inspection.

no prob

lala

Food restrictions generally apply to "non processed" foods.

Exactly. I've asked customs, and they are looking for raw fruits, vegetables, meats, etc. It's my understanding that packaged foods don't need to be declared. I like bringing back coffee, sweets, etc, and have never had a problem, except when...

the impatient security lady in O'Hare slammed my daypack onto the conveyer belt, fracturing the beautifully molded chocolate I was bringing back from Switzerland! Grrr!

JP

Picking up chocolates at the Airport Duty-Free shop, and sometimes (depending on the city) from a confectionary store has been a SOP for us since eons http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif No problems with the Customs.

Indeed, there are currently some very heavy penalties for doing so, in particular from Europe.

I would suggest sending me directly your chocolate. I will then have it tested and will provide all certificates so you can continue your trip in good order.

Sadly I am not able to return the chocolate, but you will have the satisfaction of having complied with most EU rules on the topic.

I can also help with good Champagne. Or cigars.

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Joke apart ( http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...um/biggrin.gif) nothing I’ve heard of, the only issue could be with fresh cream chocolates (especially Belgium ones, which tend to use the real stuff), if you’re planning on a long trip (in which case, see above http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif). And by issue, I mean the cream could go bad, not a problem with customs.

[This message has been edited by Canista (edited 04-25-2002).]