Silly US Customs Question

[m1ckeymouse]

Hi Everyone

This is a really stupid question which I really should know the answer to! We always take chocolate and UK sweets for Mousekeeping and after watching far too much Border Force on TV, I have managed so scare myself that customs are going to pull us aside and check everything. This will be a problem as MIL is disabled so hanging around is an issue.

I am wondering if we should just leave extra tip and forego the chocolate this year, which would be a huge shame as we have had a few notes from cast members over the years saying thank you.

As I said stupid question, any help appreciated

Suzanne

 

[godders]

Could you not buy chocolate and treats while you are in the US? At DTD or somewhere similar?

 

[edinburghlass]

I always take Galaxy chocolate with me for myself, lol, and Edinburgh Rock as gifts, declare it as candy and never had any problems.

 

[steve_rob]

As far as I understood it, as long as it wasn't something fresh (e.g. fruit, meat) and it was still sealed in its original packaging (so no opening the chocolates mid-flight if you get a little peckish!) then it was fine to bring it in to the US.

 

[Shazzie B]

Fine to take chocolates, sweets and such, you just need to make sure you declare them. We always take snacks for 1st few days, never had a problem, even had one security guy thank us for being so honest about what we'd got.

 

[tennisfan]

I've taken chocolate and sweets before and have never declared them and have never been pulled up. I can understand fresh produce, dairy and meat products but sweets are not going to harm the environment

 

[BadPinkTink]

my mum put the fear in me this year, like you she watches those border patrol programs lol, so this year I made sure to declare my Irish chocolates and sweets that I brought as gifts to my American friends. I was asked what food did I have and I said chocolate and candy and that was it, no searches or other questions

Could you not buy chocolate and treats while you are in the US? At DTD or somewhere similar?

European chocolate and candy is very different to USA chocolate and candy, even if they have the same name. I always bring a stash of Irish chocolate for my holiday as I don't like American chocolate. My American friends love European chocolate and I even bring chips with me as Lays taste different to our European chips.

 

[2Tiggies]

I have always taken chocolate or some candy for the flight and always declare it. They ask you what you have when they see you have checked the box saying that you are bringing food. I just tell them and we have always been waved through without having to have a secondary scan.

 

[scoobydooby]

It is fine to take it but you should declare it. That's all

 

[Elise79]

It will be fine - just declare it on the customs form by ticking yes to food. We take chocolate and tea bags every time for friends. Most times we get waved through occasionally had a secondary X-ray. That X-rays takes a minute or two as long as there is nothing in your bags you shouldn't have.

I've taken chocolate and sweets before and have never declared them and have never been pulled up. I can understand fresh produce, dairy and meat products but sweets are not going to harm the environment

By not declaring you are still breaking the law. The question asks if you have any food which you do - if they sound it they could fine you.

 

[2Tiggies]

By not declaring you are still breaking the law. The question asks if you have any food which you do - if they sound it they could fine you.

This.

It's not illegal to take food in (aside from items specifically listed as being prohibited on the CBP website). The issue is not having it. It's failure to declare it.

If it goes in your mouth, it's food. If you tell them you have it, they generally don't blink an eye. If you're caught for a random search and you have something, even if it is permitted, but not declared, you face a fine. Don't be afraid of it. Just know the rules. Those airline shows people watch on TV focus on people who get stopped because they failed to declare their foods, more often than because they took something they shouldn't have. Besides, even if you take something you aren't supposed to, by declaring it, they will confiscate it but not fine you (or place a record on file!)

 

[m1ckeymouse]

Hi Everyone

Thank you so much for all the replies! My phone stopped updating so it wasn't until I checked the laptop today that I saw them all. I feel much better about it now and will make sure we tick the box, can't wait to go sweet shopping this weekend and make up all the packages

Thanks again
Suzanne

 

[Jon84]

As far as I understood it, as long as it wasn't something fresh (e.g. fruit, meat) and it was still sealed in its original packaging (so no opening the chocolates mid-flight if you get a little peckish!) then it was fine to bring it in to the US.

Agreed, our Rosy Apples that we've taken on every flight but never opened have never been an issue! I think they've been to 8 countries now!

 

[chmurf]

The only chocolate you shouldn't pack are Ferrero's Kinder Surprise, as they are illegal in the US. (as silly as it sounds)

 

[Jon84]

The only chocolate you shouldn't pack are Ferrero's Kinder Surprise, as they are illegal in the US. (as silly as it sounds)

I am guessing because of the plastic capsule inside?

 

[chmurf]

I am guessing because of the plastic capsule inside?

1938 Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act ... capsule is not clearly visible once the egg is unwrapped ...

bringing one to the US is considered smuggling and one could get fined for up to $2500 PER EGG

 

[LoodlesNoodles]

Such a cute idea to bring them for housekeeping btw. Definitely gonna steal that (and declare the chocs!) .

 

[BadPinkTink]

1938 Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act ... capsule is not clearly visible once the egg is unwrapped ...

bringing one to the US is considered smuggling and one could get fined for up to $2500 PER EGG

ooops, I brought 2 as gifts this year, but I did declare food, ie my chocolate and candy.