Prohibited Items in USA: Alcohol, Food & Must-Declare Items

Every time you’re packing for a flight to the U.S., do you find yourself wondering: "Can I actually bring this?" To help you pack with peace of mind and breeze through customs, this Trip.com guide summarizes the latest regulations on prohibited items and entry strategies!

What are USA Prohibited and Restricted Items

USA Customs Clearance - Restricted and Prohibited Items for Import ...

Prohibited Items in USA| Food and Agricultural Products

Food and agricultural items are strictly prohibited because they may carry pathogens or pests that pose significant risks to U.S. agriculture and the local ecosystem.

• Meat Products: All types of meat, jerky, and meat-based products (including cooked and processed foods).
• Poultry, Eggs, and Dairy: Any poultry products, eggs, or dairy (unless specifically permitted).
• Plants and Soil: All fresh fruits, vegetables, live plants, seeds, and soil.
• Uncertified Dried Goods: Certain dried fruits and vegetables (some types remain prohibited depending on processing).

Prohibited Items in USA | Dangerous Goods and Weapons

To ensure domestic safety, dangerous goods and weapons are strictly prohibited. These items often face rigorous standards for both carry-on and checked luggage; if you must transport such items, you must consult specific TSA (Transportation Security Administration) regulations.

• Explosives and Chemicals: Explosives, dynamite, and hazardous chemicals.
• Firearms and Ammo: Guns, ammunition, and explosive-related accessories (unless you hold a special permit).
• Controlled Weapons: Regulated weapons or knives (certain styles are classified as contraband).

Prohibited Items in USA | Illegal Drugs and Controlled Substances

This category includes all controlled medications without a valid prescription or those carried in excessive quantities.

• Unauthorized Medication: Unreported or unpermitted controlled substances.

💡 Quick Tip: If you are carrying legal prescription medication, it is highly recommended to keep them in their original packaging and carry a doctor’s note to avoid issues during inspection.

Prohibited Items in USA | Intellectual Property Infringements

These items include all counterfeit goods, pirated products, or cultural artifacts prohibited under U.S. law.

• Counterfeit Goods: Fake designer clothing and "knock-off" electronics.
• Pirated Media: Unauthorized CDs, DVDs, games, or other pirated materials.

What are Must-Declare Items for USA Entry?

In the 2026 digital declaration system, if you are carrying any of the following items, please ensure you check "YES." As long as you declare them proactively, most items can be brought into the U.S. smoothly once customs officers verify they meet safety standards.

Prohibited Items in USA | Medication and Medical Supplies (Crucial for Travelers)

The U.S. maintains strict "FDA Personal Importation Policy" guidelines:

• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicine: General Western medicines like Panadol, cough syrup, or motion sickness pills must remain in their original manufacturer packaging (do not separate them into pill organizers).
• Prescription Drugs: Limited to personal use only; the quantity typically should not exceed a 90-day supply.
• Essential Documents: You must carry an English prescription or a doctor’s diagnostic certificate.
• ⚠️ 2026 Special Alert: Medications containing Codeine or Diazepam are controlled substances. These must be strictly declared; otherwise, they may be treated as illegal drug possession.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) & Herbs: Must be in commercially sealed packaging with a full English ingredient label.
• • 🚨 Forbidden Ingredients: Strictly prohibited if they contain parasites, protected species (e.g., tiger bone, donkey-hide gelatin/Ejiao, deer antler, bird’s nest, cordyceps), or seeds capable of germination.

Prohibited Items in USA | Processed Foods and Dried Goods

The USDA has specific "dryness" requirements:

• Dried Seafood: Dried abalone, dried scallops, dried shrimp, or dried fish.
• • Conditions: Must be completely dried, eviscerated (no internal organs), and in commercial packaging.
• ⚠️ 2026 New Regulation: Under the updated MMPA (Marine Mammal Protection Act), certain fish products from specific regions require a Certification of Admissibility. It is advised to proactively explain the source during declaration.
• Processed Plant Products: Dehydrated vegetables, roasted coffee beans, and well-packaged tea leaves.
• Baked Goods: Breads, cakes, and biscuits that do not contain meat or eggs are usually permitted (e.g., vegan mooncakes without egg yolks).

Prohibited Items in USA | Counterfeit Goods and Intellectual Property (IP)

U.S. Customs places extreme importance on IP protection. In 2026, inspections for "knock-offs" in personal luggage have been ramped up:

• Personal Exemption: Travelers are generally allowed one counterfeit trademarked item for personal use (e.g., one fake handbag or one fake watch).
• Commercial Suspicion: If you carry multiple counterfeit leather goods, watches, or electronics, Customs will suspect an "intent to sell." This leads to confiscation, heavy fines, and potential prosecution.

💡 Trip.com Tip: If you are carrying medicine for elderly family members, photocopy the English prescription and tape it to the outside of the medicine bag. When officers see you are well-prepared, the inspection usually goes much faster.

USA Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cash: 2026 Statutory Limits

clear glass bottles on grey concrete floor Via Unsplash (by Andreas M)

Whether you are visiting family or going on a shopping spree, your luggage might contain alcohol, cigarettes, or large amounts of cash. Note the "Family Declaration" rule for 2026:

Prohibited Items in USA | Duty-Free Alcohol: Strict 1-Liter Limit

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 21 years old.
• Duty-Free Allowance: 1 Liter.
• Exceeding the Limit: While there is no federal upper limit for personal use, any amount over 1 liter is subject to customs duty and federal excise tax.
• ⚠️ State Law Conflicts: Even if Federal Customs clears you, if your destination state (e.g., Texas or Utah) has stricter alcohol laws, those state laws still apply.

Prohibited Items in USA | Duty-Free Tobacco: Cuban Products Strictly Banned

• Cigarettes: Limited to 200 sticks (1 carton).
• Cigars: Limited to 100 cigars.
• 🚫 Cuban Warning: As of 2026, Cuban-made cigars and tobacco are strictly prohibited, regardless of where you bought them (even from duty-free shops in third countries).
• E-cigarettes: Must be for personal use. In 2026, scrutiny of new vaping devices not certified by the FDA has intensified.

Prohibited Items in USA | Cash: The $10,000 USD "Total Family" Rule

This is the most common pitfall for international travelers:

• Declaration Threshold: Over $10,000 USD (approx. $15,300 AUD) including cash, traveler’s checks, or money orders.
• 👪 Family Calculation: This is the total amount per declaration form (one family).
• Example: A husband and wife are flying together. The husband carries $6,000 USD (~$9,200 AUD) and the wife carries $5,000 USD (~$7,600 AUD).
• • Wrong Thinking: "Neither of us has over $10,000, so we don't need to declare."
  • Correct Action: The family total is $11,000 USD, which must be declared!
• Consequences: If discovered undeclared, Customs has the right to seize the entire amount. If you are bringing a large sum for tuition in 2026, please honestly file the FinCEN 105 form.

What Items Do Australian Travelers Frequently Bring by Mistake?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection | U.S. Customs and Border ...

Prohibited Items in USA | Food, Snacks, Instant Noodles, and Souvenirs

These are the items where Australians most frequently run into trouble with U.S. Customs (CBP):

• Items Containing Meat or Meat Extracts: This is a major trap. Items like beef jerky (including high-end Australian Wagyu jerky), meat spreads, or instant noodles that contain real meat chunks, meat powder, or broth packets are often confiscated.
• Fresh Produce and Seeds: You cannot bring in fresh Australian mangoes, citrus, or even simple snacks like small tomatoes or grapes. Even the airline fruit or sandwiches handed out on the plane are prohibited once you step off the aircraft.
• Bakery Items with Restricted Fillings: Meat pies, sausage rolls, or any pastries containing meat products are high-risk and usually prohibited.
• Vegemite & Tim Tams: Good news! These are generally allowed as they are processed and shelf-stable, but they must be declared if asked about food.

💡 Quick Tip: When bringing food, keep the original packaging intact. It is much easier for officers to clear your items if the ingredients list is clearly printed in English.

Prohibited Items in USA | Medications, Natural Remedies, and Supplements

Australians often travel with "just in case" medicine kits, but be careful with these:

• Loose or Unlabelled Pills: Medication removed from its original box or stored in "days-of-the-week" pill organizers without labels can be highly suspicious to customs officers.
• Bulk Quantities: Carrying large amounts of supplements or vitamins that exceed what is reasonable for "personal use" for the duration of your trip.
• Traditional or Herbal Medicines: Remedies containing certain roots, seeds, or ingredients restricted under CITES (endangered species) or agricultural laws.

💡 Quick Tip: Always keep medications in their original pharmacy packaging. For prescription drugs, carry a copy of your GP’s prescription or a letter explaining why you need the medication.

Prohibited Items in USA | Airport Duty-Free Purchases

Many travelers assume that if it is sold at the airport, it must be safe to take into the U.S. However, CBP rules still apply:

• Alcohol and Tobacco: You can usually bring these in, but if you exceed the duty-free allowance, you must declare them and may be required to pay U.S. taxes/duties.
• Airport Food Souvenirs: Even if bought at Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane Duty-Free, items like "Australian Honey" or meat-based gift packs may still be confiscated upon arrival in the U.S. due to agricultural restrictions.

Special & Trending Prohibited Items for USA (E-cigarettes, Electronics, Australian Souvenirs)

Cannabis use via E-cigarette on the Rise Among Adolescents

Prohibited Items in USA | E-cigarettes and Vaping Products

Currently, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website does not explicitly ban the entry of e-cigarettes for personal use. However, because vaping regulations vary significantly from state to state, it is highly recommended that you declare them upon arrival and check the local laws of your destination state beforehand.

Prohibited Items in USA| Electronics and Batteries

Common electronic devices such as iPhones, MacBooks, and cameras are perfectly fine to bring. However, devices containing Lithium-ion batteries must comply with aviation safety standards:

• Carry-on Only: Spare lithium batteries and power banks must be kept in your carry-on luggage.
• Checked Baggage Restrictions: Generally, loose batteries are strictly prohibited in checked bags due to fire risks.

Prohibited Items in USA | Australian Souvenirs and Gifts

If your gifts or souvenirs contain meat, fresh fruit, plants, or seeds, they are essentially prohibited. If you want to bring a "taste of Australia" to the U.S., here are some safe and risky bets:

• The "Safe" List: Australian tea, coffee beans, packaged spices, processed chocolate (like Tim Tams), and Vegemite are generally allowed.
• The "Danger" Zone: Avoid bringing any Macadamia nuts in their raw shells, Kangaroo or Emu jerky, or any wooden souvenirs (like boomerangs or didgeridoos) that contain bark, insects, or untreated wood, as these will trigger a strict agricultural inspection.
• Golden Rule: Always declare all food items and souvenirs on your customs form to avoid heavy fines—even if you think they are safe!

How to Complete USA Customs Declaration (CBP Form 6059B)

What Can You Bring into the USA? - Restricted & Prohibited Items

During your flight or shortly after landing, you will receive a U.S. Customs Declaration Form (CBP Form 6059B). This is a legal document required for all travelers entering the United States. It is used to declare any food, agricultural products, currency, or gifts you are bringing into the country.

In many major airports, this process can be completed electronically via self-service kiosks, such as APC (Automated Passport Control) or Global Entry terminals.

Modern Procedures: Verbal Declarations

It is important to note that many airlines and airports no longer distribute physical paper forms as frequently as they used to. However, this does not exempt you from the rules.

• Verbal Declaration: If you do not receive a paper form but are carrying items that require declaration (such as food or high-value gifts), you must verbally declare them to the CBP officer during your primary interview.
• The Risk: Failure to declare prohibited items—even if they were not listed on a physical form—can lead to heavy fines, confiscation of goods, and potentially the revocation of travel authorizations like ESTA or Global Entry.