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What are the regulations on importing Plants and Plant Products?
The importation of fresh and dried fruits, vegetables and other plant products is strictly regulated by the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. While some fresh fruits and vegetables may accompany the traveler arriving into the U.S., the list is short, and it changes frequently, depending on the outbreak of disease and pest infestations in countries where the produce is grown. Buying something that is on the approved list the day you purchase it is no guarantee that the item will still be on the approved list when you arrive in the U.S. In any case, you must declare all food items to inspectors. Failure to do so will result in the automatic seizure of the goods, even if they would have been otherwise admissible. The APHIS manual for fruits and vegetables lists on a country by country basis what products may be brought into the U.S. In some cases, an item - for instance blackberries - may only be brought into certain ports in the U.S. This is indicated by the column the food item is listed in. For example, NA refers to North Atlantic ports -beginning with Baltimore, MD. It is advised you read the notes at the start of the reference section before proceeding to information about the country you will be visiting. Be aware, foods not marked with country of origin are not likely to be admitted in any circumstance because the inspector must know where the goods were grown - not where they were purchased - in order to determine if they are admissible into the U.S. APHIS Manual There is also a manual that explains the rules for importing plants and seeds for gardens, however it is very technical, and therefore not easy for the layman to use. Please contact APHIS directly for information about importing plants and seeds.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), USDA,
http://www.aphis.usda.gov
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