Can I Bring Beef Jerky Into the USA? A Guide for International Travelers

Beef jerky is a popular high-protein snack that makes for great travel food. If you’re coming to the United States from abroad, you may be wondering if you can pack some beef jerky in your suitcase to munch on during your trip. Luckily, bringing beef jerky into the USA is allowed with just a few easy guidelines to follow.

Why Beef Jerky is Restricted

Although beef jerky seems like an innocent dried meat snack, there are a couple reasons why it’s regulated for import to the USA:

• Mad Cow Disease Countries affected by bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as mad cow disease face restrictions on importing beef to prevent spread.

• Foreign Animal Diseases Diseases like foot and mouth disease can spread via contaminated meat products Strict rules prevent entry of unsafe meat

• Invasive Pests Meat items could potentially introduce foreign insects, ticks, or plant materials if not properly processed.

• Unapproved Ingredients: Some additives and preservatives used in other countries are not considered safe in the USA.

So to protect livestock, agriculture, and public health, there are certain requirements beef jerky must meet before it’s allowed entry.

Bringing Beef Jerky into the USA: What’s Allowed

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidelines, you may bring beef jerky into the United States if it meets the following criteria:

• Commercially packaged: The beef jerky must be sealed in original retail packaging from the manufacturer or store. Resealable bags or loose jerky is prohibited.

• Fully cooked: Raw or partially cooked beef products are not permitted. The jerky must be fully heated to destroy any potential disease agents.

• Shelf-stable: The beef jerky cannot require refrigeration and must have a long shelf life at room temperature.

• Reasonable quantity: You can bring beef jerky for personal use, but not bulk quantities for resale. Less than 10 pounds is advised.

• Properly declared: You must state that you’re bringing beef jerky on your customs declaration form.

As long as your beef jerky ticks all those boxes, it should be allowed through. Purchasing major recognizable brands like Jack Link’s from supermarkets is your safest bet.

Restricted Countries for Bringing Beef Jerky

If you’re traveling from certain countries, additional restrictions apply for bringing beef jerky to the USA:

• European Union: Currently banned due to mad cow disease risks. No beef imports allowed.

• China: Banned in 2020 due to African swine fever outbreak. Pork jerky also prohibited.

• Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay: Banned due to foot and mouth disease. Cannot import beef.

So unfortunately, you cannot bring beef jerky from the above places. But many other countries are still approved under the guidelines.

What Happens if You Don’t Declare Beef Jerky at Customs?

It’s crucial to know that failing to properly declare beef jerky on your customs form is illegal. If caught smuggling it in, here are the consequences:

• Confiscation: Any undeclared beef jerky will be seized and destroyed by CBP.

• Fines: Not declaring agriculture items can result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation.

• Criminal charges: Smuggling meat products may lead to federal criminal prosecution.

• Loss of travel privileges: You may lose visa waiver privileges or Global Entry membership if caught.

Can You Bring Beef Jerky in Your Checked Luggage?

You’re probably wondering if you can pack beef jerky in your checked bags instead of carrying it on. The answer is yes – you’re allowed to transport commercially packaged and cooked beef jerky in your checked luggage.

However, keep in mind that your checked bags will be subject to agricultural inspection upon arrival too. Officials may search bags and seize undeclared or prohibited items. So make sure to still declare any beef jerky products on your customs form.

Other Tips for Bringing Beef Jerky into the USA

If you want to successfully get your beef jerky stash through customs, keep these extra tips in mind:

• Store in original packaging to allow inspectors to easily identify.

• Limit yourself to no more than 2-3 sealed bags or packs.

• Keep beef jerky in your carry-on to simplify the declaration process.

• Be prepared to show customs agents your unopened packaging.

• Know your port of entry’s rules – some are stricter than others.

• Always declare beef jerky, even if pre-cleared by airlines or agents. Customs has final say.

Can You Bring Other Dried Meats to the USA?

While beef jerky is the most popular, other dried and cured meats like salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, genoa, soppressata, etc. face the same restrictions coming into the USA.

The requirements are identical – must be shelf-stable, commercially packaged, fully cooked meats from approved countries and declared properly. So pork jerky from Canada? Yes. Homemade biltong from South Africa? Unfortunately no.

Declare Your Beef Jerky and Enjoy Your Trip!

With preparation and understanding the rules, there’s no reason you can’t bring some delicious beef jerky to snack on during your travels in the United States. Just be sure to declare it properly on your customs form to avoid any hassles. Safe travels with your beef jerky!