You might be a little overwhelmed with all the goods you want to bring back home to the US
from your previous trip. But, you might want to check first the website of CBP (U.S. Customs
and Border Protection) for the lists of goods that are prohibited or restricted to enter the
United States. Here are some of the goods that are not allowed to bring back in the country:
DAIRY – This category may be a little complicated. Milk in general is restricted unless it is for infants. Dairy products that are allowed include solid cheeses (without meats),
soft cheeses (like brie and mozzarella), yogurt, butter, sour cream, and cooked eggs
while the prohibited are eggs and products made from raw eggs, liquid cheese, including
ricotta and cottage, and other cheeses that came from countries with foot-and-mouth disease including parts of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
CANNED AND PACKAGED GOODS – Most of the items in this category are on the
approved list, including vegetable oils, olive, and honey, as long as they are in vacuum-
packed jars. Jarred liquids and soft textures, like peanut butter, should meet the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rule of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less policy.
NUTS – They are allowed as longs as they have been boiled, ground, oven dried, cooked,
roasted, steamed, or pureed. Raw nuts, like cashews, macadamia, and almonds, can also
be acceptable if the shell is removed.
SPICES AND CONDIMENTS – Dried spices are good to go not unless if they’re from citrus
family, like lemon, lime, and orange. The usual condiments, ketchup, mustard, and mayo
are allowed.
CHOCOLATE, CANDY, AND BAKED GOODS – Chocolates, including liquid-filled, candy, and baked products are mostly allowed. The prohibited ones include Kinder Surprise
Eggs, since the toy inside doesn’t pass the FDA safety regulations for children’s toys. The
Mooncake, a popular snack from China, aren’t allowed as well if they’re stuffed with
eggs or meat but Mooncakes made in Canada are allowed.
GRAINS, PASTA, AND BREAD – Allowed are flour and products made from it, from
cornmeal to wheat, also noodles and ramen not including those products accompanying
spice packets containing egg or meat. All kinds of rice are allowed as long as it’s hull has been removed. Rice from countries that contains Khapra beetle (including India, Turkey,Israel) are excluded.
BEVERAGES – Commercially canned juices should pass the inspection. Roasted and
unroasted coffees are okay, but those that contains pulp are excepted. Packaged teas
are common souvenirs but leave behind those with coca, barberry, or loose citrus
leaves.
MEAT AND POULTRY – Generally, this category isn’t allowed, whether it’s been cooked, cured, dried, steamed, frozen, and even meat-based dried soup mix.
For the whole list of prohibited products, just check the website of CBP in www.cbp.gov. Have a safe and hassle-free travel!