Press Release
U.S. Customs and Border Protection want importers and the traveling public to know that mandarin oranges or “Christmas Oranges” are banned from import into the United States.
“Typically we see an influx of Christmas Oranges around the holiday season and when Canadian citizens’ travel to southern states for the winter,” said Pembina Area Port Director Mary Delaquis.
“We just want to get the word out that these products are prohibited from being imported into the United States,” she added.
There are many types of fresh fruit, vegetables and live plants that may enter Canada from tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world but are prohibited from entry in to the United States.
Oranges are one example because they can harbor plant pests and diseases that could severely impact US agriculture.
Travelers should not attempt to bring fruits, meats, dairy, poultry products, or firewood into the United States from Canada without first checking whether they are permitted.
They should also declare to CBP all agriculture products they may be carrying, to avoid fines and delays.
Travelers can check for restrictions on agricultural products on the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP website: www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vaction/kbyg
