The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plays an important role in keeping the United States free from destructive animal and plant pests and diseases that currently affect other countries. To accomplish this, certain limits are placed on items brought to the United States from foreign countries, as well as those brought to the mainland from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Prohibited items could harbor animal and plant pests and diseases that could seriously damage America's crops, livestock, pets, and environment – pests and diseases that have no natural enemies or predators in this country.

All travelers entering the United States are required to DECLARE any meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, animals, and plant and animal products they may be carrying. The declaration must cover all items carried in baggage and hand luggage, or in a vehicle.

To speed up the inspection process:

• pack items where they will be readily accessible
• make sure to check “yes” for Question #11 on the U.S. Customs Declaration Form
• follow the instructions of the federal officers in the inspection area.

Upon examination of plants, animal products, and associated products, inspectors will determine if these items meet the entry requirements of the United States. Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) officers are authorized under the Plant Protection Act to seize, destroy, and if necessary, issue civil penalties for prohibited items discovered during an inspection.

Even though an item may be listed on the “General List of Approved Products” (see below), if you are unsure of the origin, DECLARE the item by checking “YES” on Question #11 of the U.S. Customs Declaration Form.

Avoid fines and delays

Personal passenger baggage is checked for agricultural products by officers from USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) program.

At some ports, inspectors use Detector Dogs, specially trained to sniff out agricultural items. At others, low energy x-ray machines adapted to reveal fruits and meats are used.

If you're traveling from abroad on a plane or ship, you will be given a U.S. Customs form on which to declare your agricultural products. You will also be asked to indicate whether you have visited a farm or ranch outside the United States.

Declarations prevent penalties

Prohibited items that are not declared by passengers are confiscated. But that's not all. Civil penalties may be assessed for violations, and now, with recent increases, may range up to $1,000 for a first-time offense. Depending on whether confiscated, undeclared items are intentionally concealed, or determined to be for commercial use, civil penalties may be assessed up to $50,000 for individuals. The same fine applies to illegal agricultural products sent through the mail.

Fruits, vegetables, and plants

Depending on the country of origin, you may bring in some fruits, vegetables, and plants without advance permission, provided they are declared, inspected, and found free of pests.

Pre authorization

Certain plants and any plant parts intended for growing (propagative material) require a permit in advance. For information on permits, contact the USDA/APHIS/PPQ Permit Unit. See the Information Resources section at the end of this notice for details.

USDA, APHIS
Plant Protection and Quarantine
4700 River Road, Unit 136
Riverdale, MD 20737-1236, Attention: Permit Unit
Tel: (877) 770-5990 or (301) 734-8645
Site: www.aphis.usda.gov


General list of approved products (as of January, 2003)

When planning your trip abroad, look over the following general list of approved products. Keep in mind that this list is not all-inclusive, and that regulations change frequently, depending on outbreaks of plant and animal diseases in various parts of the world. So, whether or not the item in question appears on the “approved” list, you are still responsible for declaring to a federal inspection officer every agricultural product in your possession.

•  Aloe Vera (above ground parts)
•  Bat nut or devil pod (Trapa bicornis)
•  Breads, cakes, cookies, and other bakery goods
•  Candies
•  Cannonball fruit
•  Chinese water chestnut
•  Coffee (roasted beans only)
•  Fish
•  Flower bulbs *
•  Fruits, canned
•  Garlic cloves (peeled)
•  Lily bulbs (Lilium spp.)
•  Maguey leaf
•  Matsutake
•  Mushrooms
•  Nuts (roasted only)
•  Palm hearts (peeled)
•  Sauces, canned or processed
•  Seaweed
•  Seeds *
•  Shamrocks, without roots or soil
•  St. John's Bread
•  Singhara nut (Trapa bispinosa)
•  Tamarind bean pod
•  Truffles
•  Vegetables, canned or processed
•  Water chestnut (Trapa natans)

Fresh, dried, or canned meats and meat products are prohibited entry into the United States from most foreign countries, because of the continuing threat of foot-and-mouth disease. If meat is used in preparing a product, it is also usually prohibited. Because regulations concerning meat and meat products change frequently, travelers should contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Brazil for up-to-date information.

Animal hunting trophies, game animal carcasses, and hides are severely restricted. To find out specifics and how to arrange to bring them into the United States, contact USDA/APHIS Veterinary Services' National Center for Import and Export (NCIE).

USDA, APHIS
Veterinary Services
4700 River Road, Unit 40
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Attn: National Center for Import and Export
Tel: (301) 734-7830
Site: www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie

The Department of the Interior's US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) regulates the import and export of wild and endangered animals and plants and their products. More information is available in the FWS free publications, “Facts About Federal Wildlife Laws” and “Buyer Beware Guide.”

U.S. fish and wildlife service (FWS)
Office of Management Authority
4401 North Fairfax Drive
Arlington, VA 22203
Site: www.fws.gov

Live animals

Live animals and birds may enter the United States subject to certification, certain permits, inspection, and quarantine rules that vary with the type of animal and its origin.

Birds

Pet birds purchased abroad for personal use may enter, subject to restrictions by some state departments of agriculture. Quarantine arrangements must be made in advance because facilities are limited. For information and a permit application, contact APHIS' NCIE (see Resources section).

Valid veterinary health certificates are required in many instances; fees and waiting times vary. In addition, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulate importation of certain animal species and have specific regulations regarding pets (including cats and dogs) and nonhuman primates. Importation for scientific or exhibition purposes is strictly controlled through a registration process. Contact the CDC (see Resources section) for detailed information.

Centers for disease control and prevention (CDC)
Division of Quarantine
1600 Clifton Road, Mail Stop E-03
Atlanta, GA 30333
Tel: (404) 639-8107
Site: www.cdc.gov/travel

Cats

Felines must be free of all contagious diseases capable of being spread to humans at the time they are inspected at the port of entry. If the animal is not in good health, a subsequent exam will be required to be performed by a licensed veterinarian. The animal's owner will be responsible for paying for this exam. It is not necessary to vaccinate the cat against rabies. Please note that animals arriving from Guam and the state of Hawaii will need to be quarantined.

Dogs

This category includes all animals in the canine family. Dogs must be free of all diseases capable of being spread to humans at the time they are inspected at the port of entry. Dogs to be used in cattle raising need to be examined, especially for tetanus and worms; those testing positive must be treated.

Dogs' rabies vaccinations should be current, and be vaccinated at least thirty days before entering the United States, with the exception of puppies younger than three months old.

A rabies vaccination certificate, signed by a licensed veterinarian, should be presented for inspection at the time or arrival. This certificate should identify the animal and specify the date and type of vaccine administered.

If the vaccination has not been administered before arrival, the dog will be vaccinated at the port of entry and placed in quarantine by the owner for thirty days. If the vaccine was administered less than one month before arrival in the United States, the dog will be admitted, but will remain in isolation until the thirty-day period is complete.

Step 1:
Obtain a vaccination certificate and a certificate of good health from a veterinarian licensed by the Regional Council of Veterinary Medicine (Conselho Regional de Medicina Veterinária). Include the results of the screwworm (bicheira) test.

Step 2:
Submit the above documents to the Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA), which will issue the required international certificate.

BRASÍLIA
Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento
Aeroporto Internacional de Brasília
Tel: (61) 365-2897

Fundação Zoobotânica
Sesan
Tel: (61) 348-7800

SÃO PAULO
Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento
Serviço de Sanidade Animal
Tel: (11) 251-0400/251-5742/287-8988

Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento
Aeroporto Internacional de Guarulhos
Tel: (11) 6445-3606/6445-2800

Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento
Aeroporto de Viracopos
Tel: (19) 3225-5532/3725-5402

Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento
Porto de Santos
Tel: (13) 3224-2472/3232-7723

RIO DE JANEIRO
Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento
Aeroporto Internacional
Tel: (21) 398-3169/398-3177/398-3788

The certificate issued by the Brazilian government need not be authenticated by the Embassy or Consulates of the United States in Brazil.

Turtles
The importation of turtles for commercial purposes is prohibited. However, there are no restrictions on the entrance of turtles with shells smaller than four (4) inches (approximately ten (10) centimeters). Each traveler may carry up to six (6) turtles with the above-described dimensions.

Other biological material

Authorization is required to import most organisms, cells and cultures, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines and related substances, both of animal of vegetal origin. This category includes organisms and products used in the biotechnology industry. For more information and to register, contact the NCIE or the authorizing unit of the PPQ.

Soil, sand, minerals and shells

Organisms found on the ground can represent a threat to plants and animals. As mentioned above, inspectors may need to disinfect clothing and shoes. Vehicles may also be subject to inspection; disinfections and the removal dirt may be required. No soil samples may enter into the United States without previous authorization by the authorizing unit of the PPQ. Pure sand, such as that used in a small decorative glass tube, is permitted. Always check with the authorizing unit of the PPQ if previous authorization is necessary.