Info on U.S. Customs
For details on traveler information and customs restrictions, including motor vehicle import/export, check the U.S. Customs website.
Alternatively, for information on bringing animals and food products contact:
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
Tel: (8610) 6532-1953
or the China APHIS office in Beijing:
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Address: 12-21 China World Trade Center, 1 Jianguomenwai, Beijing
Fax: (8610) 6505-4574
- Certain kinds of breads, cookies, cakes and bakery items are allowed
- Plants or plant products - Every last one of these (seeds, cuttings, plants, etc.) must be declared and brought out for inspection
- You may take smoked salmon in a vacuum package
- You may NOT take meat or meat products
- You may NOT take in fresh fruits or vegetables
- You may NOT take in drugs and medications that has not been approved for use in the United States or has approved for use only with a doctor's prescription
For complete information on restricted items please check with the APHIS USDA website and the US Customs website.
Travelers are often surprised when they are told that their one piece of fruit or meat could cause serious damage. In fact, one item carelessly discarded can wreak havoc on American crops.
For example, it is quite likely that a traveler carried in the wormy fruit that brought Mediterranean fruit flies to California in 1979. The 3 year fight to eradicate this pest cost more than $100 million. Subsequent infestations in California and Florida have cost even more to eradicate.
A single link of sausage contaminated with the dreaded virus that causes foot-and-mouth disease could do similar damage to livestock business. Foot-and-mouth disease last struck the United States in 1929. Economists say that an outbreak today would cost farmers and consumers billions of dollars in lost production, higher food prices, and lost export markets.
Even when you believe that the item you are buying is safe, exercise caution and common sense. When you are thinking about buying agricultural souvenirs, remind yourself of the old saying, 'let the buyer beware'. Duty Free shops do not have special authorization, clearance, or certification with USDA allowing them to sell prohibited products. Even if signs and displays say 'USDA Approved', be skeptical. Always tell USDA or Customs Service inspectors everything you have that is an agricultural product.
Some items, which are not restricted in China, are not allowed in the U.S. and will be confiscated by Customs. Such items include ivory ornaments, sealskin and certain other coats, certain exotic animals, tortoiseshell and feathers. This information is subject to change.
Pets
We recommend that pets get a rabies vaccination prior to coming to the U.S., where rabies is prevalent. The vaccine must have been administered at least 30 days, but no longer than 12 months, before the animal arrives in the United States. For more information on importing pets into the U.S. please check with the APHIS mission website.