BUFFALO, N.Y. – The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Buffalo Field Office is reminding travelers about agriculture importations and restrictions when crossing the border to the U.S.
While many agriculture products brought into the U.S. are permissible, other items are prohibited or strictly regulated.
Many fruits and vegetables, including these peppers, are prohibited to enter the U.S.
“Some items are prohibited from entering the U.S. in order to protect the American agriculture industry, and the public’s health,” said Ann Marie Paul, assistant director of the Buffalo Field Office.
The following items are prohibited under any circumstances:
Uncooked eggs (originating/transiting Province of Ontario)
Uncooked poultry/avian products (originating/transiting Province of Ontario)
Green onions / leeks / chives
Citrus fruits
Goat and lamb meat
Regulated items requiring additional paperwork:
Pet birds require an import permit (originating/transiting Province of Ontario)
Many products require proof-of-country of origin/production and cannot be regulated without proof - such items may be denied entry to the U.S.
Propagative material, including live plants and seeds, require specific documents for entry and will be denied entry without the documents.
Many Canadian-produced products are admissible. It is advisable to provide proof-of-origin that may include packaging, labels and/or receipts.
Personal importations of Canadian-origin beef and pork are enterable and limited to no more than 50-pounds of meat per person.
Regulations for animal products and pet birds are subject to change.
CBP Agriculture specialists have extensive training and experience in the biological sciences and agriculture inspection. Please visit the Protecting Agriculture section for more information about CBP’s mission to protect the nation’s agriculture industry.