Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, chances are you will want to bring home a few souvenirs- for either yourself or family and friends. While some items such as t-shirts, photos, and collectibles make great mementos, other items can get you in serious trouble at U.S. Customs. In fact, many items that seem quite innocent, but are expressly prohibited by U.S. law, carry stiff penalties if you try to bring them home. Here are three items you cannot bring back after your international excursion.
Kinder Surprise Eggs
Kinder surprise eggs are wildly popular in Canada, South America, and throughout Europe. These treats, often a favorite gift for children, are small hollow chocolate eggs that contain plastic toys. The toys are encased in tiny, egg-shaped capsules. The toys contained inside the eggs vary, containing an unknown surprise for the child who opens them.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that Kinder eggs present a choking hazard and are thus a danger to U.S. children who may ingest the toys and capsules. They are therefore banned in the United States.
Should you try to bring a kinder egg home; U.S. Customs can not only seize the egg, but also fine you up to $2,500.00 for every egg in your possession.
Soil and Rocks
If you are considering collecting soil or rocks from the countries you visit, you may want to reconsider. While these items can make interesting display pieces of your travels, they pose a serious risk to the health and welfare of U.S. crops and animals.
Foreign bacteria, viruses, pests, and diseases may be contained within the soil and rocks. If these are allowed to enter the country and contaminate plants and animals, they can have a devastating effect- sickening and even killing agricultural stock.
U.S. Customs takes the importation of soil so seriously, they may even check to make sure no foreign soil is brought back accidentally in the treads of your shoes. Trying to bring soil or rock samples back to the United States illegally can result in fines of $1,000.00 or more. However, you can apply for a permit that may allow you to legally bring these items home if the permit is approved.
Items Made From Dog or Cat Fur
While you probably would not knowingly buy clothing or other items made from dog or cat fur, many foreign manufacturers use this type of fur as a cost cutting measure. Therefore, you must be vigilante if you purchase any fur items.
Even unknowingly transporting these goods home can land you in serious hot water with the federal government. The Dog and Cat Protection Act of 2000, makes it a crime to knowingly or unknowingly transport these items. Fines range from $10,000.00 for intentional violations, $5,000.00 for gross violations, and $3,000.00 for negligent violations. These fines are meted out per item.
As you can see, bringing back prohibited items can detrimentally affect your finances. Be sure to check with U.S. Customs if you have any doubts or concerns about the souvenirs you will be bringing home.
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