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CBP Protects Against Pests, Plant Disease

Release Date
Fri, 09/05/2014

Invasive bugs, harmful diseases hitchhike on, in agriculture goods

DALLAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists working at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport intercepted 32 different fruits prohibited from entering the U.S. during August.

CBP agriculture specialists seized 15 jars of edible bird's nest.

CBP agriculture specialists seized 15 jars of edible bird's nest.

CBP assessed 66 civil penalties for approximately $19,000 to international travelers smuggling restricted agriculture goods. Besides fruit, other smuggled items included pork meat products and 20 different seed types.

“CBP agriculture specialists work hard to protect our nation’s agriculture industry by intercepting goods which act as carriers for harmful and invasive pests and plant disease,” said Acting CBP DFW Port Director Angel McKinney.

On 30 different occasions in August, CBP agriculture specialists intercepted various forms of pork meat.  U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits the entry of swine products from many regions of the world in order to prevent the introduction of foreign animal diseases.

The most exotic interception at DFW airport was 15 jars of edible liquid bird nest.  Civil penalties for failing to declare agriculture goods vary case-by-case but the typical fine is $300.  The penalty stiffens on subsequent offenses.

For information regarding customs declarations, CBP urges travelers to travel smart by getting traveler tips ahead of taking an international trip.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021