Importing Food Products and Pets to the U.S.

If you have any questions concerning what to bring and/or mail into the U.S., please contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection directly through its website: https://help.cbp.gov/app/home.

Food Products

Travelers are often surprised when they are told that their ‘one little piece of fruit or meat' can 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 and 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 Denmark, 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

Although not required by law for animals from Denmark, 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. At the same time, pick up a ‘sundhedsattest' from your veterinarian.

Please go to https://help.cbp.gov/app/home for more information.