Bringing Food, Plants, and Animals into the USA
» Soil, Sand, Minerals, and Shells
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 Soilborne organisms threaten both plants and animals. If you visited a farm or ranch overseas, agricultural inspectors may have to disinfect your shoes or clothes. Vehicles must also be cleaned of soil. You may not bring in any soil or earth that is not accompanied by a permit. The permit is issued in advance by PPQ's permit unit. Pure sand, like a small container of decorative beach sand, is allowed. Rocks, minerals, and shells are allowed, but all sand and soil must be cleaned off them. Products grown in soil (like shamrocks and truffles) must be free of soil.