You must declare all food products. If you fail to declare food products, you could face up to $10,000 in fines and penalties. If you declare all agricultural products you are bringing with you, you won't be charged any penalties, even if an inspector determines that they can't enter the country.

Yes, you are legally required to declare all food items when entering a new country, regardless of whether they were purchased at an airport duty-free shop, on the plane, or at your original destination. Customs and border protection agencies are primarily concerned with preventing the introduction of foreign pests, diseases, and invasive species that could devastate local agriculture and ecosystems. While a sealed bag of chocolate or crackers is usually fine, items like fresh fruit, meats, cheeses, and seeds are high-risk and often strictly prohibited. The "Declaration" process simply involves checking "Yes" on your customs form. If you declare the item and it is forbidden, the officer will simply take it away and dispose of it. However, if you fail to declare a food item and it is discovered during a bag search or by a sniffer dog, you can face immediate fines ranging from $300 to $500 or even have your "Trusted Traveler" status (like Global Entry) permanently revoked. When in doubt, always "Declare It" to ensure you are following the law and avoiding a very expensive and stressful secondary inspection experience.