Where do you declare food?

Travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural products on their U.S. Customs forms. U.S. agricultural inspectors will examine your items to be sure they meet entry requirements and do not harbor harmful foreign pests or diseases.



When traveling internationally in 2026, you must declare all food items at the Customs arrival area after you have retrieved your checked luggage. On your flight or upon landing, you will typically be asked to fill out a Customs Declaration form (either a physical card or via a digital kiosk/app like Mobile Passport Control). If you are carrying any food—even "packaged" snacks or fruit from the plane—you must answer "Yes" to the food question. After clearing Immigration, follow the signs to the Red Channel (Items to Declare) rather than the Green Channel (Nothing to Declare). A Customs officer will then inspect your items to ensure they do not carry pests or diseases that could threaten local agriculture. Failing to declare food, even if it is technically permitted, can lead to immediate fines ranging from $300 to over $1,000 and the permanent revocation of expedited entry programs like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

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You must declare all food products. Failure to declare food products can result in up to $10,000 in fines and penalties. The following are generally admissible: Condiments: ketchup (catsup), mustard, mayonnaise, Marmite and Vegemite and prepared sauces that do not contain meat products.

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All travelers must complete a CBP Declaration Form 6059B itemizing all purchased merchandise and agricultural products. Here are your options: Complete a paper form that may be obtained at the port of entry or on the flight or cruise.

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Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. TSA officers make the final decision on whether certain items are permitted into the secured areas of the airport.

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How to Declare Food at U.S. Customs. If you are taking any food into the U.S. you must answer yes to 'I am bringing fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, food, insects'. Although not all items are banned, you need to let customs officers know if you are carrying any food so that the relevant checks can be carried out.

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TSA might ask travelers to remove food from carry-on bags, to reduce X-ray clutter. The Transportation Security Administration might ask travelers to take food out of their carry-on bags, but officials say it's to get a clearer picture of what's in the bag rather than scrutinizing a snack.

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Usually, you go through customs when you exit the airport at your final destination. However, if you have a layover in a different city in your destination country, you may need to go through customs before your connecting flight.

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Coffee (Roasted, Green, Whole, Seeds, Plant Parts) Roasted Coffee: Travelers are permitted to bring unlimited quantities of roasted coffee in their luggage without restriction through any U.S. port of entry. However, as with all agricultural products, you must declare the product at entry.

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You do not have to declare jewelry that you own, travelled with and are returning to the US still carrying/wearing. However, if you bought a watch or jewelry while you were abroad, you must declare it but that doesn't mean you have to pay taxes on it. What is a reasonable amount of jewelry for a man to wear?

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