If you’ve been to another country and tried tasty snacks and drinks, you may be wondering if you can bring them on your flight back home. As always, that depends. The list of food items that can’t be brought into the US by US Customs and Border Protection, which is part of Homeland Security, is always changing.
Before buying food or drinks abroad to bring back to the US, check the US Customs food list. Also, make sure you follow the instructions on your immigration card for declaring foods when you go through customs. Failing to declare foods may result in a hefty fine. Here’s a list of foods you can and cannot bring into the US.
Dried shrimp, known as ‘hai mi’ or ‘xia mi’ in Chinese, are a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines. Their unique umami taste makes them a versatile addition to dishes like stir-fries, soups, and dumplings.
If you’re a fan of dried shrimp, you may be wondering if you can bring some back with you on a trip to the USA. The good news is that yes, you can bring dried shrimp into the USA. However, there are some regulations around importing dried and other seafood that you need to keep in mind.
In this complete guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about bringing dried shrimp into the USA. We’ll cover the regulations, guidelines for travelers, what happens if you violate the rules, and more.
Overview of Regulations for Bringing Food and Seafood Into the USA
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have regulations in place to prevent the spread of foreign animal diseases and protect the health of US citizens. Here are some key points about bringing food items into the USA:
-
Most fresh meats are restricted but travelers can bring cooked canned, cured, or dried meat products if they have documentation proving the country of origin.
-
Seafood products like dried shrimp are allowed for personal use, but anything over 50 lbs is considered a commercial shipment.
-
All agricultural items must be declared on customs forms when entering the USA.
-
Even permitted foods may get extra inspection if brought in large quantities.
-
Foods that could carry pests or diseases will be confiscated and destroyed,
Guidelines for Travelers Bringing Dried Shrimp to the USA
Here are some tips for smoothly bringing dried shrimp into the USA:
-
Pack it properly – Dried shrimp should be in a sealed bag or container to contain any odors and avoid leaks. This will make your flight more comfortable for everyone.
-
Watch the quantity – Stick to personal use amounts, generally under 2 lbs. Anything more may get questioned or confiscated.
-
Declare it – Make sure to state that you have dried shrimp or other seafood products on your customs form.
-
Research any restrictions – Check if the country you’re coming from has any specific import bans due to disease outbreaks.
-
Have receipts or packaging – Keep any receipts or packaging to verify the product’s origin if asked by officials.
Following these guidelines will help ensure your dried shrimp makes it through inspection.
What Happens If You Break the Rules?
Penalties for not following seafood import regulations can be severe. According to the CBP, violations can lead to fines of over $10,000. Here are some common violations:
-
Not declaring agricultural items on your customs form
-
Bringing in meat from a country with an active disease outbreak
-
Exceeding the personal use quantity limits
-
Attempting to import an outright banned item
In addition to fines, prohibited food items will be confiscated and destroyed by customs officers. So it’s critical to follow all the rules to avoid losing your dried shrimp and facing hefty penalties.
Other Seafood You Can Bring Into the USA
Luckily, dried shrimp isn’t the only seafood you can bring back to the USA. Many types of fish and seafood are permitted, either fresh or prepared. Here are some other products travelers can import for personal use:
-
Canned tuna, salmon, sardines, and other fish
-
Smoked salmon and other smoked fish
-
Salted or pickled fish products
-
Frozen fish fillets or whole fish
-
Cooked shrimp, crab, lobster, and other shellfish
-
Fish eggs like caviar and roe
-
Dried fish like cod, Pollock, and salmon
-
Fish sauce and pastes like anchovy paste
-
Cured fish like salt cod and kippered herring
Again, be sure to pack appropriately, declare your items, and adhere to personal use quantities. With the proper precautions, you can bring back plenty of tasty seafood treats.
Why Are Dried Shrimp So Popular?
So why are dried shrimp so beloved in Asian cuisine? Here are some reasons they are such a versatile and tasty ingredient:
-
Intense umami flavor – The drying process concentrates the shrimp’s savory taste, which enhances dishes.
-
Added texture – Rehydrated dried shrimp have a pleasantly chewy bounce.
-
Long shelf life – Properly stored, dried shrimp can last for months.
-
Travel-friendly – Dried shrimp are lightweight and packable for trips.
-
Nutrient content – Drying retains many nutrients like protein, omega-3s, and antioxidants.
-
Easy to use – Dried shrimp can be quickly rehydrated or used dry as seasoning.
With this winning combo of great taste, texture, nutrition, and convenience, it’s no wonder dried shrimp are so popular!
In Closing
Foods Prohibited from Being Brought into the US
You’re not allowed to travel with the following items. You’ll just have to go back to get your next fix!.
Usually, you can’t bring this type of food in, whether it’s cooked, dried, cured, frozen, or even in the form of a meat-based dry mix.
This rule has a lot of exceptions, so be extra careful if you want to buy dairy while you’re on vacation. Generally, milk is not allowed unless it is for infants. Solid cheese is allowed as long as it does not contain meat. From some countries, you can bring soft cheeses like Brie and mozzarella, but not liquid cheeses like cottage and ricotta. Unfortunately, Greek feta is restricted.
This category depends on the item and where it is from, so it is best to err on the side of caution and not plan on returning with produce. If you are keen to bring back fruits or vegetables you enjoyed abroad, check the US Department of Agriculture database, where you can search by country or item to determine any restrictions.
Foods You are Permitted to Bring into the US
Read this list to find out what you can bring back to the United States. Can I bring canned goods? What about French baked goods? What about Peruvian spices? What about dried fish from Iceland? If you’re not sure about something, double check the list of prohibited food items USA.
Sharing My Experience: Bringing Dried Fish from the Philippines to the USA – How I Did It?
FAQ
Is dried fish allowed in check in baggage in USA?
Can you bring dried food into USA?
Can I bring frozen shrimp into USA?
What food do you have to declare at US Customs?
Which foods are allowed in the US?
The US allows various food items, such as condiments, cooking oils, bread, cookies, crackers, cakes, cereal, and packed tea, to be brought in. The CBP (Customs and Border Protection) provides a list of allowed items on its website. Jarvis, a beagle, works in the baggage claim area at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago.
Can you bring breaded seafood across the border?
Seafood products can usually be brought across the border without trouble, but breaded seafood may be subject to concern due to the milk or eggs used in the breading. If you have questions, you can contact a government official by checking this page (and clicking the “seafood” box).
Can you bring a turkey ham to the US border?
In the past year, US border officials have fined passengers for bringing various undeclared food items, including turkey ham. Be sure to declare all food items when traveling to the US.
What if you bring food from overseas?
Bringing food items from overseas can result in fines for travelers to the US. Last month, a passenger was fined $1,874 after two egg and beef sausage McMuffins and a ham croissant were found in their luggage at the US border.