Traveling to the U.S. with food, plants and animals
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.
Officers are authorized under the Plant Protection Act to seize, destroy, and if
necessary, issue civil penalties for prohibited items discovered during an
inspection.
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.
Fruits, vegetables, and plants
Fruits, vegetables and plants entrance are regulated. If you need to travel to
bring this products to US, you must request for USDA/APHIS an Import Permit.
More information is available on
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/permits/ppq_epermits.shtml.
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
The entrance of live animals are regulated by different government agencies.
Live animals may enter the United States subject to certification, certain
permits, inspection, and quarantine rules that vary with the type of animal and
its origin. Some animals are not allowed to be imported. To get more information
please enter at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/animal/restricted.htm .
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).
General Requirements
All non-U.S. origin pet birds may be imported into the United States provided
that the country of origin is not listed on the Advisory list above. Except for
those of Canadian origin, pet birds are required to be quarantined for 30 days
in a USDA Animal Import Center at the owner’s expense. A reservation at the
facility must be made in advance by contacting the USDA port veterinarian.
In order to enter the United States, provide the following:
• Current Exporting Country Veterinary Health Certification; see below.
• USDA Import Permit
• Port of Entry Arrival Directly to the Quarantine Port; that is no other stops
in the U.S. permitted before the quarantine port.
• 30-day Import Quarantine in USDA Animal Import Center
• Fish and Wildlife Services Certification (if necessary)
• Payment of user fees
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.
Dogs not accompanied by proof of rabies vaccination, including those that are
too young to be vaccinated (i.e. less than 3 months of age), may be admitted if
the importer completes a confinement agreement and confines the animal until it
is considered adequately vaccinated against rabies (the vaccine is not
considered effective until 30 days after the date of vaccination).
APHIS VS requirements for all dogs imported or returning from countries
affected with screwworm:
Pet and other types of dogs (commercial, breeding, etc.) that are returning, and/or
are presented for US entry, from countries or regions where screwworm is known
to exist, may enter the US if they meet the following requirements:
• The dog must be accompanied by a certificate signed by a full-time salaried
veterinary official of the region of origin stating that the dog has been
inspected for screwworm within 5 days prior to shipment to the United States.
• The certificate must state that the dog is either free from screwworm or was
found to be infested with screwworm and was held in quarantine and treated until
free from screwworm prior to leaving the region.
These requirements apply equally to service animals such as Seeing Eye dogs.
BRASÍLIA
Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento
Aeroporto Internacional de Brasília
Tel: (61) 365-2897
SÃO PAULO 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
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 for cientifical purposes
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.
Contact APHIS
If you have any questions, or require further information related to imports or
export of live animals, birds or germplasm, please contact National Center for
Import and Export at (301) 734-8364, or send an email to
VS.Live.Animal.Import.Export@aphis.usda.gov.
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