Taking advantage of the bargain prices for eggs across the border in Juarez, Mexico seems like a no-brainer. With egg prices rapidly increasing in America, this temptation is understandable. At only $3.40 for 30 count carton in Juarez, many people have been tempted to try and bring raw eggs or poultry back home – even with US federal law prohibiting it.
From October through December of last year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported a 108% surge in confiscated egg products and poultry at ports of entry across the country. The cost of a dozen eggs surged from $3.50 to an astonishing $5.30, according to the Economic Research Service at the U.S Department of Agriculture, as avian flu led producers to slaughter 43 million egg-laying hens during that period.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Supervisory Agriculture Specialist Charles Payne’s advice is “don’t bring them over. If you fail to declare them or try to smuggle them, you face civil penalties.”
Payne on Wednesday showed cartons of eggs seized by CBP officers. He noted that this is a frequent occurrence at the border inrecent months.
Border Patrol officials throughout the Southwest are warning of an increase in seizures at all points of entry. The CPB director of field operations for San Diego recently reminded individuals crossing the border that they could face up to $10,000 fines if caught not declaring items upon arrival.
According to Payne, substantial financial penalties are in play for those attempting to smuggle commercial shipments into the country. Those caught with smaller amounts will usually pay a civil penalty of around $300. If an individual is upfront about the items they’re bringing in from Mexico, CBP may waive any required fines – however, their goods will still be confiscated and destroyed regardless.
For agricultural experts at border control, egg seizures are a rather new phenomenon. More frequently they come across incidents of plant confiscations due to the threat certain pests and bugs may impose. Now and then reports emerge regarding the illegal importation of bologna.
Before entering the United States again following a shopping trip to Mexico, CBP suggests that travelers consult their thorough list of banned and allowed items.
