Ever shipped a package overseas only to get that dreaded message: “Held at customs”? It’s frustrating, confusing, and usually expensive.
The U.S. has some of the toughest import restrictions in the world, and a package flagged by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can be delayed for weeks, seized outright, or even destroyed.
A lot of the time, people send totally innocent gifts or products without realizing they’re on the U.S. restricted list.
To save you the headache, here are 10 types of items that almost always get held at U.S. customs when shipped — and smarter alternatives to send instead.
1. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Why they’re held: They can carry pests or diseases that threaten U.S. agriculture. Even a single apple or tomato can trigger an inspection.
What to do instead: If you want to send fruit or vegetables make sure they’re stable, sealed, and usually clear customs without issue.
2. Homemade Foods & Perishables
Why they’re held: Customs officers can’t verify the ingredients or preparation. Anything unlabeled, like a jar of homemade jam or cookies, will be stopped.
What to do instead: Ship factory-sealed, branded versions of the same thing. For example, instead of homemade chutney, send a jar from a local brand with clear labeling.
3. Meat and Meat Products (Even Jerky)
Why they’re held: Meat is one of the most tightly controlled imports into the U.S. because of the risk of introducing livestock diseases. Customs regularly seizes jerky, sausages, pâtés, and even canned meat if they don’t meet USDA requirements.
What to do instead: If you really need to import meat (for business or personal reasons), here’s what has to happen:
- USDA Permits: If the product comes from a country with exotic livestock diseases, you’ll need a USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services (VS) permit.
- FSIS Inspection Certificate: Most meat imports fall under the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Every shipment must have a foreign inspection certificate from the exporting country, approved by FSIS. This certificate needs to list:
- The product name and type
- Country of origin
- Manufacturer/exporter details
- Ingredient statement
- Official government seal and signature
- FDA Prior Notice: Before your shipment arrives, you must electronically file a Prior Notice with the FDA. Without it, the shipment will be refused.
- Eligible Countries & Facilities: Not every country can ship meat to the U.S. Only products from FSIS-certified countries and establishments are allowed. (There’s an official USDA list of eligible countries and approved plants.)
4. Dairy Products & Cheese
Why they’re held: Dairy is one of the toughest product categories to import into the U.S. because of spoilage risks, bacterial concerns (like listeria or salmonella), and the complexity of FDA and USDA rules.
Soft cheeses, raw milk products, and most perishables are either flat-out prohibited or require special handling. Even shelf-stable items often get flagged without the right paperwork.
What to do instead: If you’re just sending cheese as a gift, the reality is that most shipments will be confiscated. But for commercial shipments, here’s what’s required:
- Cold Chain Shipping: You’ll need a specialized carrier that can provide a continuous cold chain (refrigeration from origin to delivery). Standard couriers won’t cut it.
- Food Safety Certificate: The exporting country’s authorities must issue a Food Safety Certificate, verifying the product meets U.S. standards.
- Commercial Documentation: You must include a Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and in some cases a Certificate of Origin.
- FDA & USDA Requirements: Dairy imports fall under FDA oversight, and in some cases USDA (depending on product type). The product must come from an approved facility in an eligible country listed in FDA/USDA databases.
- Prior Notice: Just like meat, every shipment must have an FDA Prior Notice filed electronically before arrival.
5. Seeds, Soil, and Live Plants
Why they’re held: Seeds and plants require special permits from USDA because they can introduce invasive species. Soil is almost always prohibited.
What to do instead: Send USDA-certified seed packets (if available from the seller) or opt for artificial/dried arrangements that are already treated for export.
6. Traditional Medicines & Herbal Remedies
Why they’re held: They may contain banned herbs or unapproved substances. If ingredients aren’t listed in English, they’re usually confiscated.
What to do instead: Only ship commercially packaged remedies or teas with full ingredient lists. If in doubt, check the FDA database before shipping.
7. Alcohol
Why they’re held: Shipping alcohol into the U.S. requires permits that private individuals usually don’t have. Many packages with wine, whiskey, or beer get seized.
What to do instead: Look for non-alcoholic versions of the drink (yes, they exist for wine and beer) or send branded bar accessories like glasses or mixers. Businesses can use a licensed importer.
8. Cultural Artifacts & Antiquities
Why they’re held: To protect cultural heritage, customs block artifacts and antiquities that aren’t properly documented.
What to do instead: Ship certified replicas or artisan crafts with receipts. If it’s genuinely old or rare, work with a licensed dealer who can provide the paperwork.
9. Counterfeit or Imitation Goods
Why they’re held: U.S. customs cracks down hard on knockoffs. Fake designer bags, shoes, and electronics get seized and destroyed.
What to do instead: Send authentic branded goods with invoices or opt for locally made non-branded alternatives that are unique and legal.
10. Animal Products (Ivory, Shells, Skins, Coral)
Why they’re held: Many animal-based items are banned under wildlife protection laws. Even decorative coral or tortoiseshell can get confiscated.
What to do instead: If you want to send something decorative, go for ethically sourced, certified products or crafts made from safe materials like wood, ceramic, or metal.
Pro Tips for Smooth Shipping
- Be specific on customs forms. “Snacks (cookies, crackers)” is better than just “food.”
- Stick to store-bought, sealed items. Homemade = confiscated.
- Know the agencies. USDA handles plants, FDA handles food/medicine, CBP enforces the border.
- Check before sending. CBP has a “Know Before You Ship” resource — use it.
Bottom Line ?
Most items don’t get held at U.S. customs because they’re dangerous — they get held because they’re unlabeled, perishable, or restricted without permits.
If you’re shipping gifts or products to the U.S., stick with sealed, shelf-stable, and properly labeled goods. That way, your package arrives on time — not stuck in customs limbo.
But what if you do need to ship something more complicated — like meat, dairy, alcohol, or high-value goods? That’s where a trusted freight forwarder makes all the difference.
A reliable international freight forwarder will:
- Handle your customs paperwork and filings (FDA Prior Notice, USDA permits, FSIS certificates, etc.).
- Arrange the right shipping conditions (like cold chain for perishables).
- Make sure your products come from approved suppliers and facilities.
- Help you avoid costly delays, seizures, or fines.
Instead of guessing what will clear, you’ll have an experienced partner guiding every step.
So whether you’re a business shipping products or just sending specialty items to loved ones, working with a freight forwarder ensures your package doesn’t end up in customs limbo.