As we ramp up holiday traveling this season, quick reminder that travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural products on their US Custom forms. Invasive pests and diseases could be lurking on any agricultural product in your suitcase, in your vehicle – on an orange, a holiday wreath — even in the soil on your flip flops or in the firewood for the campfire. So, don’t move firewood.
If infested items are brought across state or national borders, invasive pests and diseases can spread. Invasive species are, by definition, non-native. They evolved in a different ecosystem, so they will have few natural enemies in their new home. They will likely compete with native species for resources — food, water and light. Often, invasive species are harmful to agricultural crops and threaten natural resources.
San Bernardino County is part of the inter-governmental program “Don’t Pack a Pest” that is working to safeguard food and agriculture in the U.S. The program goal is to educate travelers about the risks associated with carrying certain types of food, plants, or other agricultural items in passenger baggage, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the California Department of Food and Agriculture developed the Don’t Pack a Pest program. This inter-governmental program is working to safeguard food and agriculture in the U.S.
Travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural products on their U.S. Customs forms. U.S. agricultural inspectors will examine your items to be sure they meet entry requirements and do not harbor harmful foreign pests or diseases. U.S. inspectors have the authority to make a final determination about whether your products can enter the country. We recommend that you keep receipts and original packaging of agricultural products as proof of their country of origin.
If you declare all the agricultural products you are bringing with you, you will not face any penalties — even if an inspector determines that they cannot enter the country.
As a service to the public and the trade community, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has made available electronic forms at dontpackapest.com that can be completed online, saved and printed. The website also has good information related to carrying and shipping materials subject to quarantine regulations.
For questions or concerns, contact Agriculture/Weights & Measures at 909.387.2105, visit sbcounty.gov/awm or email awm@awm.sbcounty.gov.
For more local news and information click here.