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  4. CBP Laredo Port of Entry Reminds Public of Prohibited Agricultural Items

CBP Laredo Port of Entry Reminds Public of Prohibited Agricultural Items

Release Date
Thu, 03/19/2020

LAREDO, Texas– Amid the limited or reduced availability of common produce items in U.S. stores, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) at Laredo and other South Texas ports of entry is reminding the traveling public to be mindful that certain agricultural items are still prohibited from entry and failure to declare these items may result in fines being assessed.

“We have seen an increase in attempts to bring in prohibited items such as raw eggs and would like to remind the traveling public that federal agricultural law remains in effect and to consult links on the CBP and USDA websites regarding prohibited agricultural items to avoid needless penalties and delays,” said Director, Field Operations Randy J. Howe, Laredo Field Office.

A CBP agriculture specialist examines a produce shipment at Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge
A CBP agriculture specialist examines a produce
shipment at Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge.

To avoid any potential delays or fines due to travelers bringing prohibited/restricted agricultural items, CBP encourages travelers to declare all agricultural items to a CBP officer upon arrival and before making their journey to consult the “Know Before You Go” guide at the following link.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service USDA-APHIS website also contains a wealth of useful information for travelers at www.aphis.usda.gov/travel    https://www.dontpackapest.com/

In addition, travelers can bring general merchandise items from Mexico as long as they are in keeping with federal laws and regulations and in a reasonable amount consistent with personal use. Merchandise imported in commercial amounts (amounts intended for resale, not personal use) need to be crossed via the cargo facilities.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021