Editor’s Note
U.S. authorities are implementing stricter controls and penalties for undeclared agricultural products in 2025. All travelers entering the country must declare such items to avoid significant fines.
U.S. authorities have reinforced warnings in 2025 regarding the obligation to declare agricultural and animal-origin products when entering the United States. Thousands of international travelers may face economic sanctions for transporting undeclared items in their luggage to border officials. The regulation affects tourists, residents, U.S. citizens, and anyone crossing a port of entry into the country.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reiterated through its official communications that the undeclared transport of these products can result in fines ranging from several hundred to thousands of dollars. CBP emphasizes that all food, plants, seeds, and meat—regardless of quantity or purpose—must be presented for inspection, and failure to do so constitutes an infraction subject to potential penalties. The agency clarifies that these regulations aim to prevent the entry of pests and diseases.
According to data from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the country maintains strict restrictions on the importation of biological materials for animal and plant health reasons. The United States implements systematic controls on these products due to historical damage to agriculture, livestock, and national ecosystems from the introduction of foreign organisms or contaminants.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, all agricultural items must be declared upon arrival, regardless of their presentation or intended destination. This measure applies to fruits, vegetables, seeds, soil, live plants, fresh or canned products, fresh, dried, or processed meats, prepared soups, and any derivative of animal or plant origin. CBP states that the goal of these measures is not to penalize travelers but to protect the country’s agriculture and environment.
USDA-APHIS explains that prohibited agricultural products can harbor pests, bacteria, or other pathogens capable of spreading to local crops and livestock. An example is foot-and-mouth disease, an illness that has prompted restrictions on importing meat and derivatives from countries with recent outbreaks. If a product is declared, officials inspect its origin and health status before allowing its entry or proceeding with its confiscation.
CBP establishes a penalty system that varies according to the severity of the infraction and the traveler’s recidivism. Minimum fines for those who omit declaring agricultural products typically start at $300 for the first offense but can increase and exceed $10,000 in more serious or repeated cases, according to the agency. Additionally, confiscated items are destroyed in accordance with federal protocols.
The penalty regime applies without exception to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and foreign tourists. According to the agency:
Declaring products does not exempt one from possible confiscation but considerably reduces the likelihood of economic penalty.
To comply with the obligation, all travelers must complete CBP Form 6059B upon entry. This document includes a specific question about carrying food, agricultural products, or contact with farms and rural areas. Authorities recommend marking “Yes” when transporting these items and detailing their type during inspection.
The obligation to declare extends to carry-on luggage, checked bags, and land vehicles. According to CBP, even “the accidental transport of soil on shoes can be grounds for inspection if an agricultural area has been visited.” The deliberate or involuntary omission of declaring products is subject to established penalties.
The list of regulated goods is updated according to international health status and USDA-APHIS recommendations. Among products commonly subject to total or partial restriction are:
• Fresh and dried fruits (apples, mangoes, grapes, etc.)
• Vegetables and edible roots
• Seeds and soil for planting
• Live plants and plant parts
• Fresh, cured, canned, or processed meats
• Dairy derivatives and eggs, depending on the country of origin
• Homemade or prepared products containing meat
• Animal trophies, skins, and skeletons, subject to special permits
Federal authorities indicate that the list varies according to the phytosanitary and zoosanitary condition of each exporting country. Some items may enter exceptionally provided they possess phytosanitary or zoosanitary certificates issued by equivalent authorities in the country of origin and comply with U.S. legislative requirements.
In recent years, CBP has intensified controls.