Dairy Products → United States

Most dairy restricted — some exceptions for hard cheeses

Details

USDA APHIS restricts dairy imports. Most liquid milk, soft cheese, and butter are prohibited from most countries due to foot-and-mouth disease concerns. Hard, aged cheeses (e.g., Parmesan, Cheddar) from approved countries may be permitted in personal quantities.

Quantity limit

Personal use quantities

Documentation required

• Phytosanitary Certificate (commercial quantities)
• Export Health Certificate (animal-origin, commercial)

Legal reference

9 CFR 94.1

Leaving with this item

Dairy exported from United States moves freely at personal snack quantities but faces strict destination bans; commercial export needs veterinary health certification.

Practical advice

Hard, commercially packaged cheeses from EU/UK/Australia/NZ are generally accepted. Declare everything on your customs form.

Customs authority

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) · https://www.cbp.gov