When travelling to the US, it is important to have the necessary knowledge of how to survive in the country long believed to be the land of milk and honey.
It is also paramount to understand what to expect in terms of the difference in culture as well as the way of life.
However, it is also vital to take note of all the items that are allowed and those that are not in the United States when travelling from Kenya.
The United States Customs and border protection outlines several items that are not allowed into the country and includes the fines and penalties one is likely to accrue.
Some of the items are, however, only allowed into the country with limitations or necessary documentation. They include;
Food products
Some food products are allowed into the United States (US). However, there is a general rule by the customs authority that prohibits the entry of certain food items including meat.
Rice is also not allowed for importation as it may contain insects that can be dangerous.
“Bush meat made from African wildlife and almost anything containing meat products, such as bouillon, soup mixes are not allowed.
“Because rice can often harbour insects, it is best to avoid bringing it into the United States. Some imported foods are also subject to requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration,” US customs states on its website.
However, other food items like vinegar, oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee and tea are allowed into the country.
Dog and Cat Fur
You will not be allowed into the United States with an item containing dog or cat fur as the item will be seized immediately by customs authority.
Carrying items containing dog or cat fur was made illegal in November 2000, and any violation resulted in a penalty of Ksh1 million for intentional violation, Ksh682,000 for negligence or Ksh409,200 for each separate violation.
“It is illegal in the United States to import, export, distribute, transport, manufacture or sell products containing dog or cat fur in the United States.
“Any person who violates any provision may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than Ksh1 million ($10,000) for each separate knowing and intentional violation, Ksh 682,000 ($5,000) for each separate gross negligent violation, or Ksh409,200($3,000) for each separate negligent violation,” the US Dog and Cat Protection Act of 2000 reads in part.
Alcohol
As much as alcohol is not entirely prohibited, US customs laws govern the amount of alcohol one can bring into the country.
Travellers who plan on bringing alcohol are expected to contact the US alcoholic beverage control board for necessary direction.
“If you plan to bring alcoholic beverages with you before you depart, you should contact the state's applicable alcoholic beverage control board to determine what you need to do to comply with that state's laws and regulations,” US customs noted.
Pets
In July 2021, the Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) temporarily suspended the importation of dogs to the US from Kenya and other 112 countries before vaccination or quarantine.
The move was due to a concern about the spread of rabies from the rabies-prone countries.
“Dogs arriving from a high-risk country for rabies without a U.S. issued rabies vaccination certificate or CDC Dog Import Permit issued before arrival may only have their dogs enter the United States through a port of entry with a CDC-approved animal care (quarantine) facility,” CDC stated.
At the same time, cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry and may be denied entry into the United States if they have evidence of an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans.
Soil
Entry to the US with soil is prohibited by the customs authorities unless one has an import permit.
The authorities explain that soil is considered the loose surface material of the earth in which plants, trees, and scrubs grow and may contain disintegrated rock .
"In most cases, the soil consists of disintegrated rock with an admixture of organic material and soluble salts.
"Soil is prohibited entry unless accompanied by an import permit. Soil must be declared and the permit must be verified," the custom laws read in part.
Fish and Wildlife
Wild birds, land or marine mammals, reptiles, fish, shellfish, mollusks or invertebrates are not allowed through United States customs.
"Any part or product of the above, such as skins, tusks, bone, feathers, or eggs; or Products or articles manufactured from wildlife or fish," the custom laws explain.
Further, endangered wildlife species, and products made from them, generally may not be imported or exported.
"You will need a permit from the FWS to import virtually all types of ivory, unless it is from a warthog," adds the laws.
