Importing Serrano ham to the US
Sep 22, 2003 | 6:17 am
#1
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Importing Serrano ham to the US
I am returning to the US for a bit in 2 months and would surely love to bring back a whole serrano ham from Spain.
I'm receiving some conlflicing information, but it appears that Serrano hams were authorized in 1999.
Can anyone confirm or answer the following:
1) This is allowed
2) Are there any restrictions?
3) Do I need to get a permit?
This is not for commerical purposes, just the dream of a fat man who likes very good ham.
I'm receiving some conlflicing information, but it appears that Serrano hams were authorized in 1999.
Can anyone confirm or answer the following:
1) This is allowed
2) Are there any restrictions?
3) Do I need to get a permit?
This is not for commerical purposes, just the dream of a fat man who likes very good ham.
Sep 22, 2003 | 8:15 am
#2
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I have had salami/meats/etc... confiscated by customs. I have been told by the customs officers that only meats which are vacuum-sealed in plastic will be allowed through customs. Some European stores will vacuum-seal meats for you, but I don't know of any in Spain. While un-vacuum-packed meats are available in US stores, they go through a USDA inspection when they are being imported, which can't be done on an individual basis.
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Sep 22, 2003 | 11:01 am
#3
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I know that I can order by Metro in Germany whole Serrano Hams who are vaccum packed. But even if they are customs can take it away if they want...
Just call a wholesale store and ask them if they sell it that way.
I know that my dogtreats I took last year (not only vaccuum sealed but baked and whatever else dog treats are) were not legal to bring into the country (I asked before..). I forgot to declare them so unfortuantly I do not know what the outcome would have been...
Just call a wholesale store and ask them if they sell it that way.
I know that my dogtreats I took last year (not only vaccuum sealed but baked and whatever else dog treats are) were not legal to bring into the country (I asked before..). I forgot to declare them so unfortuantly I do not know what the outcome would have been...
Sep 22, 2003 | 12:33 pm
#4
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I wouldn't even try it unless you do talk to a U.S.D.A. inspector first (at the contact number quoted below) and get the specific instructions:
See:
http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/trave...tricted.xml#12
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
Meats, Livestock, and Poultry
The regulations governing meat and meat products are very strict: you may not bring back fresh, dried, or canned meats or meat products from most foreign countries. Also, you may not bring in food products that have been prepared with meat.
The regulations on importing meat and meat products change frequently because they are based on disease outbreaks in different areas of the world. APHIS, which regulates meats and meat products as well as fruits and vegetables, invites you to call for more information on importing meats. Contact USDA-APHIS Veterinary Services, National Center for Import/Export (NCIE), 4700 River Road, Unit 40, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231; call(301) 734-7830.
</font>
Meats, Livestock, and Poultry
The regulations governing meat and meat products are very strict: you may not bring back fresh, dried, or canned meats or meat products from most foreign countries. Also, you may not bring in food products that have been prepared with meat.
The regulations on importing meat and meat products change frequently because they are based on disease outbreaks in different areas of the world. APHIS, which regulates meats and meat products as well as fruits and vegetables, invites you to call for more information on importing meats. Contact USDA-APHIS Veterinary Services, National Center for Import/Export (NCIE), 4700 River Road, Unit 40, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231; call(301) 734-7830.
</font>
See:
http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/trave...tricted.xml#12
Sep 22, 2003 | 12:45 pm
#5
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I am pretty sure this is not allowed with a few narrowly carved exceptions, one for Prosciutto de Parma.
They alleged reason is that these are often raw cured meats that could be contaminated.
The real reason is probably protectionism.
Be that as it may, you might want to not pig out too much or find yourself denied your porcine treat by ham handed customs inspectors
It's worth a try, I would imagine. The same situation is in place with respect to fresh soft cheese made from raw milk less than I think 60 days old...but people bring it in all the time apparently
They alleged reason is that these are often raw cured meats that could be contaminated.
The real reason is probably protectionism.
Be that as it may, you might want to not pig out too much or find yourself denied your porcine treat by ham handed customs inspectors
It's worth a try, I would imagine. The same situation is in place with respect to fresh soft cheese made from raw milk less than I think 60 days old...but people bring it in all the time apparently
Sep 22, 2003 | 4:50 pm
#6
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by richard:
The real reason is probably protectionism.
</font>
The real reason is probably protectionism.
</font>
FWIW, how does the French/Basque Jambon de Bayonne compare to Serrano?
Sep 23, 2003 | 12:59 am
#7
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by terenz:
FWIW, how does the French/Basque Jambon de Bayonne compare to Serrano?</font>
FWIW, how does the French/Basque Jambon de Bayonne compare to Serrano?</font>
So, at home, we'll occasionally have Jambon de Bayonne (usually on a slice of bread and put in the oven). However, 9 times out of 10, Serrano wins in our house. I do enjoy a bit of Pata Negra, but my wife recently saw the price and I don't think I'll be doing that again any time soon!
I would be very upset if the ham was thrown away because a ham runs in the range of $200-$300!
Thanks to the poster who provided the link. I will ring them up today and confirm.
Sep 23, 2003 | 1:07 am
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200-300 bucks for a ham? I've seen quite tasty-looking hams available for purchase at Museum de Jamon in Madrid for about $75.
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Sep 23, 2003 | 3:49 am
#9
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by OttoGraham:
200-300 bucks for a ham? I've seen quite tasty-looking hams available for purchase at Museum de Jamon in Madrid for about $75.
</font>
200-300 bucks for a ham? I've seen quite tasty-looking hams available for purchase at Museum de Jamon in Madrid for about $75.
</font>
I have fond memories of the Museo del Jamon in Madrid (tasty bocadillos!), but I'm not sure I'd be able to justify a trip there for a ham
Sep 23, 2003 | 5:27 am
#10
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I have often had sealed salami rolls lifted from my luggage by customs in MIA and LAX on flights from Europe- but only when I declared I was carrying them and on a couple of occasions when they stuck out from my luggage. Now wiser, and more experienced, I believe that if the Ham or Salami is for your own enjoyment just wrap it well (to seal against agricultural sniffer dogs) and hide it in your suitcase.
and simply don't declare them. The US customs has always used the excuse of preventing "mad swine disease" but I also suspect that there is trade protectionism involved. The EU health safeguards are fine so you are not likely to be carrying contaminated goods. Enjoy...
and simply don't declare them. The US customs has always used the excuse of preventing "mad swine disease" but I also suspect that there is trade protectionism involved. The EU health safeguards are fine so you are not likely to be carrying contaminated goods. Enjoy...
Sep 23, 2003 | 6:16 am
#11
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by catch22:
I have often had sealed salami rolls lifted from my luggage by customs in MIA and LAX on flights from Europe- but only when I declared I was carrying them and on a couple of occasions when they stuck out from my luggage. Now wiser, and more experienced, I believe that if the Ham or Salami is for your own enjoyment just wrap it well (to seal against agricultural sniffer dogs) and hide it in your suitcase.
and simply don't declare them. The US customs has always used the excuse of preventing "mad swine disease" but I also suspect that there is trade protectionism involved. The EU health safeguards are fine so you are not likely to be carrying contaminated goods. Enjoy... </font>
I have often had sealed salami rolls lifted from my luggage by customs in MIA and LAX on flights from Europe- but only when I declared I was carrying them and on a couple of occasions when they stuck out from my luggage. Now wiser, and more experienced, I believe that if the Ham or Salami is for your own enjoyment just wrap it well (to seal against agricultural sniffer dogs) and hide it in your suitcase.
and simply don't declare them. The US customs has always used the excuse of preventing "mad swine disease" but I also suspect that there is trade protectionism involved. The EU health safeguards are fine so you are not likely to be carrying contaminated goods. Enjoy... </font>
well, it might be hard to conceal in my suitcase -- it's a pretty big ham!
I am sending stuff (personal items) cargo by plane. Wonder if I could send it that way.
Sep 23, 2003 | 10:03 am
#12
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I have a friend who just got a special permit issued by food and agriculture in Canada to import 10 kg. confit de canard and the same amount of foie gras.
So, maybe you can work a deal.
If it makes you feel better, the last two months, I have requested ag inspections in ORD for the cheese I was bringing back from England and France and they just shrugged me off. I don't quite understand that, but whatever.
lala
So, maybe you can work a deal.
If it makes you feel better, the last two months, I have requested ag inspections in ORD for the cheese I was bringing back from England and France and they just shrugged me off. I don't quite understand that, but whatever.
lala
Sep 23, 2003 | 10:08 pm
#13
Join Date: Jan 2002
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I had about $50 of various Spanish vacuum-packed cured meats confiscated at JFK last December. I doubt there is any way you will get a whole ham through legally (but if you do, let me know how!). I've brought jamon iberico, etc. in undeclared before but these days I just wouldn't bother with the risk of getting caught.
Do not believe the employees in the shops, even the ones at the airport, who tell you that the meat is "packaged for travel" and can be imported to the US.
There's ham, and then there's ham. The highest quality ones, such as ibericos, are fairly scarce and highly prized. A plate of jamon iberico can cost $10-12 (compared to $3 for a lesser grade).
Do not believe the employees in the shops, even the ones at the airport, who tell you that the meat is "packaged for travel" and can be imported to the US.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by OttoGraham:
200-300 bucks for a ham? I've seen quite tasty-looking hams available for purchase at Museum de Jamon in Madrid for about $75.
</font>
200-300 bucks for a ham? I've seen quite tasty-looking hams available for purchase at Museum de Jamon in Madrid for about $75.
</font>