Many agricultural products are restricted or banned from entering the United States. These products can bring in pests and diseases from other countries that hurt American farms and the environment. Please follow the tips on this page about products you might want to bring into the United States. This will help keep American agriculture healthy.
As an American living abroad, one of the things I miss most is the delicious smoky flavor of beef jerky. When I’m back in the States visiting family and friends, I always try to pack some of my favorite brands to bring back with me.
I looked into U.S. law to find out what the rules are for bringing beef jerky into the country. Can tourists from other countries bring beef jerky into the country legally? S. customs regulations for meat products to find out.
Overview of U.S. Import Rules for Meats
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have strict rules about moving meat and meat products into the US. Their goal is to stop the spread of diseases from other animals, such as foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever, and avian influenza.
Here are some key regulations on meat imports by international travelers:
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Must declare all meats poultry and seafood to CBP upon entry. Failure to declare can lead to fines or seizure of items.
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Raw or undercooked meats from most countries are prohibited
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Commercially packaged and cooked meats are often allowed but may face restrictions.
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Quantities over 50 lbs are prohibited and considered commercial shipments.
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Proper documentation proving country of origin may be required.
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CBP makes the final determination on whether you can bring in meats at port of entry.
Is Commercially Packaged Beef Jerky Allowed?
Because beef jerky is heavily salted and goes through a drying/curing process, commercially packaged jerky is generally allowed to be brought into the U.S. by travelers, provided that:
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It comes from a country free of restricted animal diseases like BSE (mad cow disease).
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The beef jerky is in the original unopened packaging.
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It has an intact manufacturer’s label showing ingredients, place of production, etc.
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The quantity is under 50 lbs for personal use.
So to answer the question – yes, commercially packaged beef jerky can be brought into the U.S. by international travelers in most cases. Just be sure to declare it to CBP on arrival.
Let’s look at some more specifics on beef jerky and U.S. customs regulations.
Tips for Travelers Bringing Beef Jerky into the U.S.
When bringing beef jerky into the United States as an international traveler, keep these tips in mind:
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Research origin country regulations. Some nations prohibit jerky exports. Check before your departure.
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Keep product labels. Don’t remove original packaging. Labels are needed to verify country of origin.
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Pack in carry-on. Checked luggage screening may damage packaging and labels.
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Declare to CBP officers. Always declare food items to avoid penalties.
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Have receipts ready. Purchase receipts help prove product origin if questions arise.
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Limit quantity. Keep jerky under 50 lbs total for personal use. Commercial shipments have extra rules.
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Avoid restricted ingredients. Some countries’ products with beef or poultry have added restrictions.
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Keep jerky sealed. Don’t open packaging until you’ve cleared customs in the U.S.
Following these tips will help ensure beef jerky makes it through U.S. customs without issues. But be prepared in case an officer still decides to prohibit it – they have final authority.
What If My Beef Jerky Gets Confiscated?
If a CBP officer inspects your beef jerky and determines it can’t enter the U.S., don’t panic. Declaring prohibited items won’t lead to fines or penalties – the items will just be confiscated or destroyed.
If your jerky is confiscated:
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Stay calm and cooperative. Arguing will not help.
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Request to keep packaging. If allowed, it documents what was prohibited.
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Ask for receipt from CBP. The receipt shows what was surrendered.
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Clarify rules for next time. Ask why it was prohibited so you know for future trips.
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Re-purchase jerky once in the U.S. Find a local store or order online for delivery once you’ve entered.
While it’s disappointing to lose out on your favorite snacks, prohibited jerky is confiscated for good reason. By cooperating fully, you avoid problems down the road.
Can You Bring Beef Jerky on a Plane in Carry-On Luggage?
For international travelers flying into the U.S., I recommend carrying any beef jerky in your carry-on bag rather than checking it. This helps ensure the packaging stays intact for customs inspection.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows beef jerky in either carry-on or checked luggage. But carry-on is smarter to protect it from damage.
Beyond customs rules, there are no special regulations for bringing beef jerky on an international flight to the U.S. However, be aware of the liquid restrictions for carry-ons if you have flavors like teriyaki or other sauces.
alternatives Travelers Can Enjoy if Beef Jerky is prohibited
If you can’t manage to get your favorite beef jerky into the country, alternatives are available in the U.S. Here are some ideas to consider:
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Turkey jerky – Many brands offer turkey jerky with similar texture and flavors.
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Biltong – Dried and cured South African meat similar to jerky, often made from beef or game meats.
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Pemmican – Native American meat preservation bars with jerky-like dried meat and fat.
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Salmon jerky – For a lighter protein option, salmon jerky provides omega-3s.
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Fruit leathers – Dried fruit rolls offer chewy sweetness minus the meat.
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Plant-based jerky – Jerky made from soy, mushrooms, jackfruit, or coconut provides meatless protein.
With a wide range of protein-packed meats and meatless jerky options now available in the U.S., you can likely find a satisfying replacement if your beef jerky gets stopped at customs.
In Summary: Jerky Rules for U.S.-Bound Travelers
To summarize key points on bringing beef jerky into the United States:
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Commercially packaged jerky is often allowed from disease-free countries.
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Keep labels intact and declare to CBP officers upon arrival.
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Carry jerky in original packaging in your carry-on bag.
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Expect CBP to make the final decision on entry at port of inspection.
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Stay cooperative if jerky is prohibited; ask for clarity on policies.
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Consider turkey, biltong, or plant-based jerky as backups if you can’t import.
For international travelers hoping to get their beef jerky fix in the United States, understanding the import regulations is key. With the right information and preparation, you can successfully pass through customs with your favorite protein-packed snacks. Happy travels and happy snacking!
Travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural or wildlife products.
Travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural or wildlife products to U. S. Customs and Border Protection officials. Also, you need to let them know if you went to a farm or interacted with animals before coming to the US.
U. S. Agricultural inspectors will look over your goods to make sure they meet the rules for entry and don’t contain any harmful diseases or pests from other countries. U. S. inspectors have the authority to make a final determination about whether your products can enter the country. We suggest that you keep the receipts and original packaging for agricultural goods as proof of where they came from.
As long as you list all the agricultural goods you are bringing with you, you won’t get in trouble, even if an inspector says they can’t go into the country.
See What Really Happens To The Illegal Food Confiscated At U.S. Customs
FAQ
Can I bring beef jerky through customs?
Can you bring dried beef into the US?
What meat can you not bring into the US?
Do I have to declare snacks at US Customs?
Can you bring beef jerky into the US?
Declare the beef jerky at customs: If you’re unsure whether you can bring beef jerky into the US, it’s always better to declare it at customs and hope for the best. However, keep in mind that the importation of fresh, dried or canned meats or meat products is generally not allowed from most foreign countries into the United States. 4.
Can you bring meat into the USA?
**Bringing meat into the United States** is subject to strict regulations. Based on the **U.S. Department of Agriculture’s hazard assessment**, most meat, poultry, dairy, and egg products are either **prohibited**
Can you bring beef jerky from Canada?
Yes, you can bring up to 50 pounds of beef jerky into the United States from Canada for personal consumption. However, the jerky must be commercially packaged and labeled. Can I bring beef jerky into the European Union from the United States?
Can I import beef jerky?
Additionally, some countries may grant special permits for the importation of beef jerky under certain circumstances, such as for medical or research purposes. If you are traveling to a country that allows the importation of beef jerky, it is important to declare it to customs upon arrival.