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The Signature
CUSTOMS HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE
From US Army Customs Agency-Europe
banned foods to the States a minimum Personnel new to Europe should note of $100 as a deterrent. Criminal action for deliberate cases of smuggling can that many items available in Europe may seem like good Christmas presents result in a $5,000 fine and a year in jail. Many European countries also but actually violate U.S. customs make traditional nativity scenes that rules. Some products are banned from Americans love to buy. However, the the United States and others can be natural products used to make them carried in baggage, but not mailed. are sometimes banned from import Violations of customs, agriculture or to the United States because of the postal regulations can lead to hefty agricultural pests and diseases that fines and confiscation of the goods. could be on them. Shoppers should not Meat products are the biggest problem, according to customs officials. mail scenes that contain moss, bark, wood, pinecones, untreated straw or European delicacies like French pâté, other materials that may harbor insects. German wurst, Spanish chorizo and However, nativity scenes that are Italian Parma ham are much soughtproduced using finished wood, plastic, after in the State. Unfortunately, they or commercially cleaned and lacquered can also carry viruses and other animal straw (except rice straw) are fine to mail. disease agents that are not present in Europe also boasts many fine wines, the U.S. These products are therefore banned, as are canned meats, sausages, spirits, and liquor-filled candies that make original Christmas gifts. some types of cheese, and even soup Unfortunately, the U.S. Postal Service mixes or pasta containing meat. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also prohibited bans ALL liquor from being mailed, even if it is inside a piece of candy. because they could harbor plant pests Customs does allow travelers over like the Mediterranean fruit fly. 21 years of age to import one liter of The threat to U.S. agriculture is duty-free liquor in their baggage only so great that Customs and Border Protection fine people who mail or take free of charge. Over that amount is
subject to federal and state tax laws. And while many people think the eggs are innocuous, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission believes the toy surprise hidden inside Kinder “Surprise” eggs can pose a choking hazard to young children, so they are a banned good. Other Kinder products, such as the “Kinder Joy” eggs, are not banned because the candy and toy are contained in separate halves of the egg. Wildlife products also present problems. Most ivory products and whale teeth carvings are prohibited from import. When buying furs, shoppers should insist on a certificate of origin stating the animal’s scientific name to avoid buying prohibited endangered species products. The movement of caviar is also restricted. Military customs offices can provide more advice on these and other holiday mail questions. There are also many informative pamphlets available from Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Agriculture available online at www.cbp.gov/travel/internationalvisitors/kbyg/sending-us.
