Bringing Food, Plants, and Animals into the USA
» Appendix 1 - Information Contacts
Guide Sections ...   • Introduction   • One Piece Can Spell Danger   • Declarations & Fines   • Fruits, Veggies, & Plants   • Meat & Animal Products   • Live Animals and Birds   • Other Bio Materials   • Soil, Sand, Shells ...   • What You Can Bring Back Approved Items:     • General List     • From Canada     • From Mexico     • From Hawaii     • From Puerto Rico     • From Virgin Islands   • Appendix 1 - Information Contacts USDA-APHIS-PPQ's Permit Unit can provide information about import requirements and permits for plants, plant parts, fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural items. Contact USDA, APHIS, Plant Protection and Quarantine, 4700 River Road, Unit 136, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236, Attn.: Permit Unit, or check on the APHIS Web site. You can also look in your local phone book for the nearest office of USDA, APHIS, PPQ, or call the central office at (301) 734-8645. USDA-APHIS-Veterinary Services' National Center for Import and Export can provide information about importing live animals and animal products. Contact USDA, APHIS, Veterinary Services, 4700 River Road, Unit 40, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231, Attn.: National Center for Import and Export. Information can also be obtained by calling NCIE's automated phone line at (301) 734-7830. The U.S. Customs Service collects import duties (taxes) and assists the U.S. Public Health Service in regulating the importation of dogs, cats, monkeys, and birds. Contact Customs Service, P.O. Box 7407, Washington, DC 20044, or visit their Web site. The U.S. Department of State issues passports for U.S. citizens to travel abroad. Consular officers overseas issue visas for foreign citizens to enter the United States. Contact passport agencies located in Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Stamford, and Washington, DC, listed in local phone books or a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. For emergency assistance for U.S. citizens traveling overseas, call (202) 647-5226. For recorded travel information, call (202) 647-5225. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulates the import and export of wild and endangered plants and animals and their products. Contact U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Management Authority, 4401 North Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA 22203. FWS' Website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regulate importation of certain animal species and have specific regulations regarding pets (including cats and dogs) and nonhuman primates. More information is available by contacting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Quarantine, 1600 Clifton Road, Mail Stop E-03, Atlanta, GA 30333. The phone number is (404) 639-8107, and the fax is (404) 639-2599. CDC's Website