Food
As a rule of thumb, condiments, baking goods and spices are allowed through customs gates with little hassle, but the rules get a bit hairier when it comes to fruits, vegetables, dairy or meat products.
Of course, most people wouldn’t try to bring a home-cooked meal or prepared food across international borders, but they may not realize that most countries have very specific rules on what meats can and can’t be brought in that may vary by country of origin and even by packing plant. Even those smoked, dried-out gourmet sausages that make great holiday gifts for unfamiliar relatives are not always permissible.
In Mexico, there is no easy one-stop-shop to parse through the layers of regulations governing meat imports from each different country. If you are really hesitant on buying that expensive fancy sausage, you can call the National Service of Health and Food Processing (Senasica) at 55-5905-1000, extensions 52170 through 52174 and let them know the specifics. They can inform you whether it will be permitted. You can request someone who speaks English.
The United States has similarly Byzantine laws. Importers can also call and verify the specifics of what they wish to bring before making the attempt. Dial 301-734-3277 to check animal products and 301-734-0841 to check on plant products.
The European Union (EU) is simpler, but also more restricted. Again meat and animal products are strictly limited. Travelers generally cannot bring meat, milk or their products from most countries, including Mexico. The EU’s slogan on the matter, “When in doubt, leave it out,” sends a pretty clear message.
Declarations
Coming into Mexico, all organic (plant or animal) products, even those approved by customs, must be declared on the customs form (section 6) prior to entry.
U.S. citizens returning specifically from Mexico must declare the value of all items acquired there – with an 800-dollar tax exemption – on customs form 6059B, section 15. Most fruits and meats are prohibited (see number 1) and failure to declare agricultural items (6059B, section 11.a) carries a 300-dollar fine to first time offenders.Traveling with enough money to buy a used car? Mexico and the United States require declaration of amounts greater than 10,000 dollars (or equivalent). This includes total cash, checks, money orders, promissory notes etc. Likewise if entering the EU with amounts greater than 10,000 euros.
Dogs and cats
Bringing Buster? To enter the EU with a cat or dog from Mexico, the only requirement is a valid rabies vaccination certificate (restrictions apply for UK and Ireland). The U.S. federal government only requires a rabies vaccination for dogs, not cats, although different states and airlines might have their own, stricter policies. All four-legged friends entering Mexico, however, must have a valid general veterinary health certificate and a vaccination certificate.
Animals too young (under three months old) to be vaccinated for rabies are usually held by customs until they can get the appropriate shots.
Medicine
In general, always travel with prescriptions in original, marked containers. Also, don’t bring much more than you should need for your stay, it will look suspicious. Entering Mexico you can expect the least scrutiny and resistance, but it’s still a good idea to follow this procedure and have your doctor’s prescription or note just in case.
Entering the United States, all medications must be declared, in original containers and accompanied by a prescription. More than 50 doses must be accompanied specifically by a prescription from a Drug Enforcement Agency-approved licensed medical practitioner.
Unfortunately, there is no unified rule for the EU, with each country setting its own restrictions. Again, in general, use original bottles and travel with the prescription.
Pirated materials
A trip to the San Juan de Dios market may be a regular part of Guadalajara life, but don’t forget that bringing pirated or copyright-infringing materials back to the United States is not allowed. Check media and name-brand souvenirs carefully. If you try to bring pirated DVDs or fake Prada purses into the United States, officials may inspect and confiscate them.
There is a secret you may not know, though. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol website, travelers “may be permitted an exemption and allowed to import one [pirated] article of each type … provided that the article is for personal use and not for sale.” This means one purse, one DVD and one pair of sunglasses, for example.
The EU has no such exemption, with most countries confiscating the goods and possibly assessing fines.
For more information, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol site at www.cbp.gov, the European Commission Taxation and Customs Union at ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs and Mexican customs (aduanas) at www.aduanas.gob.mx.