Can You Bring Beef Jerky Into the US? A Guide for Travelers

Beef jerky is a popular snack for travelers. It’s lightweight, filling, and has a long shelf life. But can you actually bring beef jerky into the United States when you’re returning from international travel? Here’s what you need to know

An Overview of US Import Regulations

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) places restrictions on many agricultural products entering the country in order to prevent the introduction of foreign animal diseases. All meat products are regulated, including beef jerky.

When you enter the US you must declare all agricultural items you are bringing in. This includes beef jerky. A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will inspect your declared items and determine if they can legally enter the country. If you fail to declare agricultural products, you could face penalties or have them confiscated. So it’s important to be upfront about any food items you’re bringing back.

Can You Bring Beef Jerky Into the US?

Whether beef jerky can enter the US depends on a few factors:

• What country it’s coming from
• The type of meat used
• How it was prepared and packaged

There are general restrictions on certain types of meat products coming from countries affected by serious animal diseases like foot-and-mouth disease, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and others. The USDA maintains a list of each country’s status for these diseases.

Beef jerky from affected countries may be prohibited depending on the type of meat used. For example, pork jerky would typically be prohibited.

Requirements for Allowed Beef Jerky Imports

Assuming beef jerky containing only beef is coming from a country free of major livestock diseases, it may be allowed if it meets the following requirements:

• It must be commercially packaged and labeled. Homemade or custom beef jerky is prohibited.
• It must be shelf-stable. This means commercially prepared, cooked, and vacuum sealed to be non-perishable.
• The traveler can only bring up to 50 pounds total of meat products. Anything more is a commercial import requiring additional permits.

The beef jerky should also be accompanied by documentation proving the product’s origin. This can include the original packaging label, receipts, written documentation, proof of travel, and more.

Raw or freshly prepared beef jerky that is not considered shelf-stable will typically be prohibited, as it poses a higher disease risk.

What Happens If You Bring Restricted Beef Jerky?

If you attempt to bring beef jerky into the US that is not permitted, a CBP officer will likely confiscate and destroy it during inspection. This is done to prevent the introduction of animal diseases.

You will not face any penalties as long as you declared the item. But the jerky will be taken away and will not be returned to you.

Some key things to remember:

• Declare all food items to CBP to avoid penalization
• Shelf-stable commercially packaged jerky has the best chance of being allowed
• Certain types of meat jerky may be prohibited outright depending on country of origin
• There are strict limits on how much you can bring in

Tips for Successfully Bringing Beef Jerky Into the US

If you want to bring back beef jerky for personal use from your travels, here are some tips:

• Research import regulations for the country you will be visiting. Some places may prohibit certain meat products from being exported altogether.

• Purchase commercially packaged beef jerky with original labeling and packaging intact. Homemade or custom jerky is not allowed.

• Make sure the jerky contains only beef. Other meats like pork are more likely to be confiscated.

• Limit yourself to 50 pounds or less of meat products total. Declare everything you are bringing back.

• Keep all purchase receipts and documents showing product origin and ingredients.

• If in doubt, declare it anyway. Being upfront prevents penalties if it’s not allowed.

• Be prepared to surrender prohibited items to CBP officials.

Are There Any Beef Jerky Exceptions?

There are no special exceptions made for beef jerky, even if it’s just a small amount for personal use. All agricultural items are subject to inspection.

Some parts of the world, like Australia, impose strict prohibitions on any meat products being exported out of the country to prevent disease spread. So beef jerky may be impossible to find in certain destinations.

If the jerky is commercially packaged and complies with the import requirements outlined above, travelers have the best chance of successfully bringing it in. But there are no guarantees it will make it past U.S. customs. Discretion is ultimately up to the inspecting officer.

Bringing beef jerky back to the United States as a traveler is allowed in most cases if certain guidelines are followed. But there are restrictions based on meat type, country of origin, packaging, and more that can prohibit it. To avoid potential confiscation or penalties, travelers should research regulations for their destination country in advance, limit quantities, and declare all food items when re-entering the U.S. With preparation and understanding of import laws, you can successfully enjoy beef jerky on your international travels.