Declaring Food At Airports: A Traveler's Guide

When travelling internationally, it's important to know how to declare food at the airport to avoid facing any penalties. The process of declaring food may vary depending on the airport, but it typically involves filling out a customs declaration form or using an automated kiosk. It is recommended to always declare food items, especially when entering the US, to avoid possible fines and penalties. Failing to declare prohibited items can result in significant financial penalties, such as a $300 first-time fine for not declaring an apple. The type of food brought also matters, with raw fruits, vegetables, meats, seeds, and nuts being more closely scrutinized by customs officials.

Fines for not declaring food

Even if the food item is allowed into the country, failing to declare it can result in a fine. For example, a woman who forgot she had an apple in her bag when she reached US border control ended up with a $500 fine. Similarly, another traveller who had a Subway sandwich when entering Australia was fined over $1800.

The consequences of not declaring food can also extend beyond fines. For instance, failing to declare agricultural items can result in the revocation of Global Entry membership, which provides expedited re-entry into the United States for pre-screened, low-risk travellers.

To avoid fines and other penalties, it is important to always declare any food items when travelling internationally. This includes items that may not seem like food, such as condiments, spices, tea, and even single-use condiment packets. By declaring all food items, travellers can avoid potential issues and ensure a smoother journey through customs.

What foods to declare

When travelling, it's important to know which foods need to be declared at the airport to avoid fines and penalties. The best advice is to always declare food items, as some may be prohibited. In the US, for example, all food products must be declared, and failure to do so can result in fines of up to $10,000.

Generally, processed foods are admissible, and raw fruits, vegetables, meats, seeds and nuts are what raise red flags for customs agents. For instance, chocolate, granola bars, and canned foods are usually fine. However, products containing raw eggs and most meats, even if they have been cooked or cured, are not allowed.

Some foods that are typically prohibited in carry-on luggage include:

• Yogurt, gravy, and other liquid or gel food items in containers larger than 3.4 oz/100ml.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables that are soft, mashed, or in a liquid state, unless they are dried.
• Oils, vinegars, and honey, unless in small containers that comply with the TSA's 3-1-1 rule.
• Dips, jams, creamy cheese, and peanut butter, unless in containers less than 3.4 oz.

Foods that are usually allowed in carry-on luggage include:

• Solid food items such as bread, crackers, cookies, chips, and candy.
• Unopened snacks, including granola bars, nuts, crackers, and chocolate.
• Dried fruits and vegetables.
• Coffee beans, tea leaves, and dry tea sachets.
• Cooked, non-liquid foods, such as a Thanksgiving turkey.
• Baby food, breast milk, and toddler drinks are considered medically necessary liquids and are allowed in reasonable quantities.
• Alcoholic beverages with less than 24% alcohol are not subject to quantity limitations in checked bags.

What foods not to declare

While it is recommended that you declare all food items when going through customs at the airport, there are some foods that you do not need to declare.

Processed foods, such as crackers, candy, and roasted coffee beans, are generally admissible. Solid food items, including baby food, are also allowed in carry-on bags. Prepared foods, like cooked Thanksgiving turkey, are also allowed, as long as there are no liquids. Bread of any kind is also fine, as are chocolate and candy.

Dried fruits and vegetables are also allowed, as are nuts that have been boiled, cooked, ground, oven-dried, roasted, pureed, or steamed.

Some foods, such as cheese, can be brought through, but it is recommended to avoid pungent varieties as a courtesy to your fellow travellers. Generally, hard cheese is fine, but creamy cheese products must be under 3.4 ounces.

Spices are also allowed, but it is recommended to only bring those that you can't find at home.

Unopened snacks such as granola bars, nuts, chips, crackers, and cookies are also safe to bring in your carry-on or checked bag.

Canned goods are also fine, but they are usually subject to additional screening, so it is best to check them in or ship them home.

How to declare food

When travelling internationally, it's important to declare any food items you're carrying to avoid fines and penalties. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to declare food when entering a new country through an airport:

Know the Rules:

Before your trip, familiarise yourself with the customs regulations of the country you're entering. Different countries have varying restrictions on food items. The official websites of the country's customs and border protection agencies are good sources of information.

Fill Out the Customs Declaration Form:

When travelling by air, you'll typically be given a customs declaration form to fill out before clearing immigration. This may be distributed during the flight, or you can find them at the airport. On the form, there will be a question about bringing food, meat, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, or other agricultural items into the country. Always answer truthfully and declare all food items.

Use Electronic Kiosks:

Some airports have implemented electronic submission of customs forms through Automated Passport Control or Global Entry kiosks. These kiosks will ask you similar questions to the paper form, and you must declare any food items you're carrying.

Be Prepared for Inspection:

If you've declared food items, be prepared for further inspection by customs officers. They may ask you additional questions about the type and quantity of food you're bringing in. To speed up the process, it's helpful to list the food items you're carrying and pack them in an easily accessible place in your luggage.

Understand the Restricted Foods:

While the specific restrictions vary by country, some common items that often raise flags for customs officers include raw fruits, vegetables, meats, seeds, nuts, and eggs. Processed and packaged foods, such as crackers, candies, roasted nuts, and chocolate bars, are generally admissible.

Declare Even Small Items:

Remember to declare all food items, regardless of how insignificant they may seem. This includes snacks purchased at the airport, in-flight meals, and even an apple or a chocolate bar. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Be Honest and Cooperative:

When speaking with customs officers, be honest and cooperative. If you're unsure about a particular food item, ask questions and provide as much information as possible. The officers are there to ensure the safety and security of the country, and your cooperation will make the process smoother for everyone.

In summary, always declare any food items you're carrying when travelling internationally. By following the proper declaration procedures, you can help prevent the spread of pests and diseases and avoid any fines or penalties for non-compliance.

Penalties for undeclared food

When travelling, it's important to be aware of the rules and regulations around declaring food at the airport, as the penalties for not doing so can be costly. While the specific penalties may vary depending on the country and the nature of the offence, failing to declare food can result in fines and other consequences. Here is an overview of the potential penalties for undeclared food:

Fines

The most common penalty for failing to declare food at the airport is a fine. The amount of the fine can vary depending on the severity of the offence and the jurisdiction. For example, in the United States, failing to declare agricultural items, including fruits, vegetables, and other food products, can result in a fine of up to $300 for a first-time offence, and $500 or more for repeat offences. Furthermore, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) warns that failure to declare "all food products" can result in fines and penalties of up to $10,000. These fines are in place to emphasise the importance of declaring food items and to deter travellers from attempting to bring in prohibited items.

Loss of Membership Privileges

In addition to fines, travellers may face other consequences for failing to declare food items. For example, those who participate in trusted traveller programs, such as Global Entry, may lose their membership privileges if they fail to properly declare items at customs. This can result in the loss of expedited clearance benefits, causing additional delays and inconveniences during future travel.

Confiscation of Items

When undeclared food items are discovered by customs officials, they may be confiscated and disposed of. This can result in the loss of valuable or sentimental food items. To avoid this, it is important to familiarise yourself with the restrictions on bringing food across borders and to always declare any food items, even if you are unsure whether they are permitted.

Additional Screening and Delays

Failing to declare food items can also result in additional screening and delays during the customs process. Customs officials may need to conduct a more thorough inspection of your luggage and ask additional questions, which can slow down the clearance process for all travellers. In some cases, undeclared food items may even result in a full baggage search, causing significant delays for travellers.

In conclusion, the penalties for failing to declare food at the airport can be significant. To avoid these penalties, it is important to always declare all food items, even if you believe they are permitted. By following the proper declaration procedures, travellers can help ensure a smooth clearance process and avoid costly fines and other consequences.

Frequently asked questions