BajaNomad

transferring food across borders

zach4 - 2-1-2014 at 09:44 PM

Hi,

If we take food with us in the car from the US and drive all the way to Baja Sur -

Can we pass the US-Mexico border with no problem (meaning all sorts of food are allowed)?

I understand that when crossing the border to Baja sur, they check for fruits and vegtables. Are other items of food allowed?
If we bring food in cans, or dry fruits, or sealed food - will that be okay?

thanks...

Ateo - 2-1-2014 at 09:46 PM

Good question.

David K - 2-2-2014 at 12:59 AM

Yes, don't need to advertise anything, let them ask. You know you aren't transporting bug infested produce... There was a check for BEEF a while back (swine flu fear)... and fruit that might be filled with fruit fly eggs.

Nothing canned, bagged, sealed, is going to be a threat.

It will be coming back north into the USA that you don't want to be hassled, so unless you want to wait in Secondary, don't bring any fresh food, eggs, pork products, fruit, veggies... MANY types of fruit and most vegetables ARE permitted, but the current lot at the border don't seem to have a clue. Eggs, oranges, fresh chicken, and any pork has always been a big no-no. Calif. residents can only bring back 1 liter of booze each, if in their own car.

Also, wash your car coming home if you off roaded... no 'soil' is allowed!

Alm - 2-2-2014 at 02:28 AM

When I flew in last fall (Loreto), which used to be easier customs than driving in, both customs and their agricultural inspection - Senasca or whatever it's called - were very thorough. Buckwheat that had no label on it, was confiscated. They looked with great deal of attention at all food packs and cans of other people while I was waiting in line.

Btw, tourists are only allowed tax-free $75 total worth per passenger on top of their personal items when traveling by car. Excess can be taxed @~15%, so don't be surprised if it will.

[Edited on 2-2-2014 by Alm]

ALM

captkw - 2-2-2014 at 02:35 AM

Say What ??? you said you came in by air...not car ?????????

Bob and Susan - 2-2-2014 at 05:59 AM

why are you BRINGING food...there's all sorts of food stores in Baja...

that's how people eat here...

edit: who eats buckwheat????

[Edited on 2-2-2014 by Bob and Susan]

chuckie - 2-2-2014 at 06:29 AM

That was the question I was going to ask! And you also lose the experience and fun of shopping in the lil tiendas!

Meany - 2-2-2014 at 08:28 AM

Zach4. I never have fruit. But do say No senor, no fruitas,no pappas,nodruggas and no dinero. And he looks at me and laughs as I give him some small change and I get my truck washed underneath and off down the road.:yes:

nbacc - 2-2-2014 at 09:29 AM

We bring enough for the first day so we don't have to go out right away and do the shopping thing............lots of places in Baja to buy good food. Nancy

Bajajorge - 2-2-2014 at 10:49 AM

Crossing into Mexico has never been a problem with what foods you bring. Now northbound back into the US is another story.
I don't think Mexico really cares what food you bring in, green leafy substance might cause a stir though.:biggrin:

grace59 - 2-2-2014 at 11:26 AM

Some friends of mine got the red light coming into Mexico from El Centro the other day. They had made a trip to Costco in El Centro. The man at the border looked in the ice chest where they had some grated cheese and a pork loin among other things. No problem. I, however, hate the hassle of stopping in El Centro and just purchase everything in Mexico. There are things there that are a much better deal...especially love the fresh fish, shrimp etc.

Alm - 2-2-2014 at 12:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by captkw
Say What ??? you said you came in by air...not car ?????????

Yes. There are few airports in Baja :) ....

For air travelers with tourist visas tax exemption is $300, so this wasn't an issue in my case. Food can be an issue at any crossing - as others noted, factory-packaged food is usually OK.

Alm - 2-2-2014 at 12:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by grace59
The man at the border looked in the ice chest where they had some grated cheese and a pork loin among other things. No problem. I, however, hate the hassle of stopping in El Centro and just purchase everything in Mexico. There are things there that are a much better deal...especially love the fresh fish, shrimp etc.

Yes. Cheese in Mexico costs about the same. Though they don't have as many varieties as NOB, especially in Baja.

J.P. - 2-2-2014 at 12:29 PM

after living here for over 10 years yes you can survive quite well on the food that is available here, especially in Ensenada.
But there is still quite a few things I like that is hard to find down here I refuse to eat lunch meat that is made from Chicken or Turkey and the pork products aren't any better.
In my case there are quite a few food stuffs that I would rather buy in the U S. For me it all boils down to personal choice.
I have never had any problem bringing anything into Baja.

David K - 2-2-2014 at 12:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Alm
Quote:
Originally posted by captkw
Say What ??? you said you came in by air...not car ?????????

Yes. There are few airports in Baja :) ....



There used to be a whole lot more!







bigzaggin - 2-2-2014 at 12:52 PM

I know there are some strong opinions about buying vs.bringing and, while I agree most of what you need is available down there, for me bringing food down is typically a reflection of wanting to get where I'm going - quickly - rather than stop for supplies. But we're increasingly buying more down there as we refine our routes. Oddly, Modelo is cheaper in the states...and the firewood here is just plain better.

Here's a question: What about the legality of bringing BACK food you brought down? We sometimes have leftover apples or luncheon meats that we brought with us and don't wan't to trash. We've never once been sent to secondary for produce in 25 years (though we would have in Tecate last week had the agriculture team not been on a break) - but if they find food you brought with you, are you still popped?

tjsue - 2-2-2014 at 01:01 PM

When I moved to Tijuana last year, I brought the contents (mostly meat) of a 5.0cuft freezer with me in a large ice chest and several boxes. I was sent to secondary because I had lots of boxes visible in my van, and was only asked what was in them. I just said, "food," and they said ok.

Going NOB of border, I've only taken cooked potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and cookies, without a problem. I tell them what I'm bringing, and they say, OK."

Alm - 2-2-2014 at 01:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by J.P.
after living here for over 10 years yes you can survive quite well on the food that is available here, especially in Ensenada.
...
In my case there are quite a few food stuffs that I would rather buy in the U S. For me it all boils down to personal choice.

Yep. If you care what you eat and like to stick to your diet and habits - whatever humble it is - you need to bring some food items.

In smaller towns you won't find much or it will be expensive. Brown rice, black tea, hot chocolate, to name a few. And some fresh produce costs double or triple because it is not local, or is not available at all.

David K - 2-2-2014 at 02:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bigzaggin
I know there are some strong opinions about buying vs.bringing and, while I agree most of what you need is available down there, for me bringing food down is typically a reflection of wanting to get where I'm going - quickly - rather than stop for supplies. But we're increasingly buying more down there as we refine our routes. Oddly, Modelo is cheaper in the states...and the firewood here is just plain better.

Here's a question: What about the legality of bringing BACK food you brought down? We sometimes have leftover apples or luncheon meats that we brought with us and don't wan't to trash. We've never once been sent to secondary for produce in 25 years (though we would have in Tecate last week had the agriculture team not been on a break) - but if they find food you brought with you, are you still popped?


Once your American purchased produce crosses into Mexico, it becomes 'Mexican' as far as the U.S. Border officers are concerned.

See the list of what 'might' be okay to come back north with. Sour limes are okay, and I declared them... the (@#%!) border officer said "well, limes are like oranges" and sent me to secondary. After waiting 15 min. for the ag officer to walk up, she looked at the tag, said "LIMES!??" and laughed as she told be to go! I have heard that even non pork 'turkey ham' has caused a secondary trip!

It is just easier to donate excess food to anyone in Mexico (I recommend the soldiers at desert drug checkpoints).

BajaBlanca - 2-3-2014 at 11:00 AM

All I can tell you is that we have heard plenty of horror stories of guests being yelled at because they had dog food or a forgotten tomato at the bottom of the fridge.

Really, give the food away to the military guys (good suggestion) or to any police station or to any village resident. Secondary takes any beach quite seriously. It ain't fun.

[Edited on 2-3-2014 by BajaBlanca]

dasubergeek - 2-3-2014 at 11:09 AM

Going south they don't care (though I can't speak for the inspección fitosanitaria at the state border). Don't bring oregano, haha.

Going northbound, here's the list. Avocados are emphatically not okay—they'll yell at you.

http://1.usa.gov/1lxd7G4

[Edited on 2-3-2014 by dasubergeek]

David K - 2-3-2014 at 11:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by dasubergeek
Going south they don't care (though I can't speak for the inspección fitosanitaria at the state border). Don't bring oregano, haha.

Going northbound, here's the list. Avocados are emphatically not okay—they'll yell at you.

http://1.usa.gov/1lxd7G4

[Edited on 2-3-2014 by dasubergeek]


That's the best new page I have seen, thank you!
HERE is the list off of it:

Last Modified: Jan 16, 2014

The following is a partial list of fruits and vegetables that are allowed entry into the United States from Mexico for personal consumption, but only after they have passed inspection and have been found free of any pests or diseases:

Aloe vera leaves
Avocados—without seeds (no avocados are admitted into California)
Bananas
Berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries)
Cabbage
Corn and corn smut galls
Dates
Garlic
Grapes
Herbs (cilantro, mint, rosemary, sage, and watercress)
Jicama
Lemons, Persian limes, and sour limes—all lemons/limes must be washed; no leaves or stems
Lettuce and spinach
Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon)
Nuts (acorns, almonds, cocoa beans, chestnuts, coconuts [without husks or milk], peanuts, pecans, piñon [pinenut], and walnuts)
Onions (including green onions and chives)
Peppers (bell, chili, and jalapeno peppers; manzano peppers are not allowed)
Pineapples
Potatoes, yams, and sweet potatoes (cooked only)
Prickly pears (nopales pad or tuna fruit; pitaya are not allowed)
Sugarcane “chews”—peeled without nodes
Tamarind bean pods
Tomatoes and tomatillos

This list of admissible products is subject to change. For more information or for a complete list, please visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's (APHIS) online fruit and vegetable import requirements database at www.aphis.usda.gov/favir. Under the “Country” search, type “Mexico” and select a particular commodity for more information. Open the Commodity Import Report (CIR) to see the detailed import requirements for the item selected.

Live Plants and Seeds
Plants and seeds imported for propagation require a phytosanitary certificate from the Government of Mexico. The import of any soil is prohibited.

Meats and Animal Products
The following types of meats and animal products are allowed to be imported: canned shelf-stable pork, canned shelf-stable poultry, beef, and thoroughly cooked poultry. Other meats, animal products, animal trophies, and scientific or research samples may require an import permit, government certification, or transport to an APHIS-approved establishment for additional treatment to prevent the introduction of animal diseases. APHIS-approved establishments will treat materials against anthrax and other diseases.

Live Birds
To import pet or wild/game birds, please visit www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/ to obtain contact information for local USDA offices responsible for imported birds. All imported birds, including chickens, are subject to quarantine in a USDA facility.

nbacc - 2-3-2014 at 05:51 PM

No..............not fun. give everything away

BajaBlanca - 2-5-2014 at 11:39 AM

I so agree.

Pompano - 2-5-2014 at 12:30 PM

PACKING GROCERIES FOR 6 MONTHS IN BAJA SUR.

We have always found that heading south you will have few in any problems with groceries...and especially if you are in a RV. Pack it full of your specialty items that you know you are unlikely to find in Baja, plus it's easier to do one-stop shopping at some of the US giants. Some things are better buys in the US, too.

Shopping San Diego before crossing southbound for six months at a time, we like walking the Kobey's Meet on a weekend. A giant bazaar that has a lot of stuff, plus great exercise. Not to mention all the big box stores like Costco, etc. We once came out of Mission Beach Trader Joes with 4 carts full of good wine buys. Now we always buy the great wines in the Guadalupe Valley..Ruta de Vino.


Never worry about going without a forgotten item, though. Baja Sur city markets have just about anything you could possibly want these days. The old days of poor selections are over. If you need it...you'll most likely find it.

Returning to the US is a different matter...pay strict attention to the list above for restricted items. The boys at the border are serious. Over the years some of the things not allowed in our case have been...eggs, certain meats, certain fruits, etc. It changes from time to time, but it's easy to follow the rules. Don't get into a hassle by trying to save some treat. Before crossing back into US, make some presents, make some friends.

Shopping/Walking Kobeys...and packing RV at Portrero RV park near Tecate.