- Traveler shares a TikTok video of a recent incident in which she almost received a fine from Customs and Border Control.
- A woman forgot to put an apple in her bag. However, a K9 found it at baggage claim.
- She received a warning. However, she could have received a fine up to $850 and lost Global Entry.
You should always check your baggage when you arrive in the U.S. double check your bag Before entering the airport’s customs area, check for food items.
TikTok user discovered the cost of not declaring food at the border after CBP confiscated a single apple she had in her bag. The user Discovering with Dina posted her experience when she returned to the U.S. after visiting Amsterdam with a forgotten piece of apple. She almost paid a fine and lost her job. Global Entry status.
Five-second clips shows Dina is seen with her luggage in the baggage area. The text above the image says that a K9 dog is about to approach her, and will smell the apple, which she failed to declare at customs. She could be fined $500 or have Global Entry revoked.
In the caption, she explains that the Customs and Border Control agent asked her if there was food in her bag as the dog had smelt it. The customs officer allegedly told her: “I could fine $500 and revoke Global Entry right now.”
Customs and Border Patrol says: “All items of agriculture must be declared and inspected by a CBP Agriculture specialist at the ports of entry in order to ensure that there are no plant pests or foreign animal diseases.” These items are fresh fruits and veggies, plants and cut flower, seeds, dirt, meats, or other products that contain animal or vegetable materials.
Dina claims that the officer searched all her bags and took her passport. “He asked if I had told a lie about the incident. [a]pple, i would’ve got a $300 fine,” wrote she, “then i could’ve been fined another $500 for actually having an apple.”
All food, plant and animal products must be declared by travelers upon entering the U.S. On the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service site of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, you can view a complete list of prohibited and restricted items. aphis.usda.gov. This site contains detailed FAQs which instruct travelers as to what they can and cannot import into the U.S.
USDA site: “We recommend you keep receipts or the original packaging of agricultural goods as proof of country of origin.” “As long as you declare all agricultural products to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials, you will not face any penalties—even if an inspector determines that the items cannot enter the country.”
Dina was only given a warning and not a fine. She made a TikTok in order to warn anyone else who might be in the same position. “I was given a warning, as this is my very first offense. But this was to remind me that I should take this seriously. I forgot to declare the apple because they no longer ask you to fill out the forms on board. “I also didn’t realise that all food must be declared, even if they are processed,” wrote the woman.
