Can You Bring Spanish Ham Back to the USA? A Guide to Importing Cured Pork

Spanish ham, like Jamón Serrano and Jamón Ibérico, is known all over the world for having a rich, complex flavor and a texture that melts in your mouth. It makes sense that people who visit Spain would want to bring some back to enjoy or give to family and friends. However, is it okay to bring cured Spanish pork into the United States?

The short answer is yes, you can bring Spanish ham back to the USA under certain conditions. However, there are important regulations and restrictions to know In this guide, we’ll cover the key requirements for legally importing Spanish ham and other cured pork from your travels

Overview of US Import Regulations

In general, the USDA enforces strict rules on importing pork and pork products to prevent the spread of foreign animal diseases Here are the key considerations

• All imported pork must come from USDA-approved and inspected establishments Very few Spanish producers meet these standards currently

• There are limits on the quantity you can personally bring. Commercial shipments have separate rules.

• The pork must be properly packaged, labeled and declared at Customs.

• Certain types of aged, cured pork are lower risk and permitted.

So the most important things are finding correctly certified Spanish ham, following quantity limits, and properly declaring it on arrival. Let’s look at each requirement more closely.

Step 1: Purchase USDA-Approved Spanish Ham

All pork products that come from outside of the U.S. must come from businesses that the USDA has inspected and certified as meeting U.S. S. standards. Only a handful of Spanish producers currently meet these criteria:

• Jamón de Huelva from Fermín Ibérico was the first Spanish producer approved by the USDA, starting in 2005. Their “Cinco Jotas” Jamon Iberico has USDA certification.

• Covap pork from Jabugo also gained USDA approval for export to the U.S. in 2017.

• Joselito Ham obtained USDA clearance to export all its Iberian pork products to the U.S. in 2018.

So when shopping in Spain, look for the official USDA establishment number printed on the ham’s packaging or ask the merchant to verify its approved status. Other Spanish cured ham without the USDA certification is still prohibited from importation.

Step 2: Follow the Personal Importation Quantity Limits

Since you’re bringing Spanish ham back in your personal baggage rather than a commercial shipment, customs limits apply:

• You may import up to 5 kg (11 pounds) of cured Spanish ham per person without any special paperwork.

• For quantities above that, you must fill out a PPQ Form 621 Agricultural Request Form.

• The limit above 5 kg is generally 10 kg (22 pounds) of ham per person but customs agents ultimately decide if any quantity is permitted.

So best practice is to keep it under 5 kg per traveler to stay completely within the personal allowance rules. Consider how much you can reasonably consume or share as prized gifts.

Step 3: Prepare Documents and Declare at Customs

To comply with customs regulations:

• Keep your ham receipt to prove purchase from a certified producer.

• Confirm it is properly packaged, sealed and labeled.

• Declare your Spanish ham to the customs inspector on arrival and answer any questions.

• Be prepared to pay a customs duty fee if exceeding the 5 kg allowance.

As long as you follow all the import requirements for approved source, quantity and declaration, you should be able to successfully bring deliciously cured Spanish ham back home to the states.

Tips for Traveling with Spanish Ham

Follow these tips for smooth travels with your Spanish pork delicacies:

• Transport in checked luggage vs. carry-on to avoid liquid restrictions.

• Pack ham in a secure, leak-proof bag then wrap in clothes for insulation.

• Consider shipping baggage ahead to avoid carrying a heavy load.

• Travel in cool months if possible, and store ham in the cabin during flight.

• Declare up front on arrival to avoid any perception of hiding prohibited food.

• Have purchase receipts and USDA establishment number ready for inspection.

Favorite Spanish Hams to Try

Once you know the rules, here are some of the top Spanish hams to look for:

• Jamón Ibérico – From black Iberian pigs; rich, nutty flavor with marbled fat. The very best.

• Jamón Serrano – Made from white pigs; widely available and budget-friendly. Still high quality.

• Paleta Ibérica – From Iberian pig shoulders with a cleaner, purer taste. Lower fat ratio.

• Jamón de Teruel – Protected origin from Teruel; intensely salty and sweet with aroma of rosemary.

Enjoy an Authentic Taste of Spain

There’s perhaps no better food souvenir than incredible Spanish cured ham. With proper adherence to the import regulations, you can bring home a truly authentic taste of Spain from producers like Joselito, Fermín, and Covap. Savor thin slices as tapas, add to paella, stuff in omelets – the possibilities are endless. Just be sure to share the deliciousness with any fellow travelers who helped bring some back!