what do you declare?

[ketchupkid]

this might sound like a stupid question but i thought i'd check. ive never been before so i dont know what to expect, im going to america to stay with relatives (english relatives who live in america.) they really miss english chocolate so i was going to take a load, like a thing of roses/quality street and a few different chocolate bars and things like that as a thank you present. is it ok to just put them in my luggage or do i need to declare it or something like that. thanks for your help x

[dzug]

The US are a bit more paranoid than normal about food imports at the moment, so yes you need to declare them. There shouldn't be any problem if you do.

You'll get a customs form on the plane which asks about food IIRC - just put the details in the appropriate place.

[heathfield]

Cadbury's chocolate bars are widely available in US supermarkets, so maybe you could take something different.

[sddsddean]

I sent a load of chocolate to a friend in the US with no problems, so I think you will get it in alright, but just declare it to be on the safe side. I think they are more worried about fruit and raw meat.

[campbellking]

Take English chocolate, they will love you forever. Yes you can buy Cadburys, but it's not the same. American chocolate is naff...They may also apprecite some chocolate digestives , and possibly salad cream (it's all mayo over there).

[JoolsTwo]

When we go to Canada to see our daughter we take - Chocolate - Tea Bags - Baked Beans and Paxo Stuffing. All things they miss over there.

[JoolsTwo]

Sorry submited too soon. We don't declare any of that as there is no problem importing these things. So just pack the Chocolate and don't worry about it. It's things like meat and meat products (mainly beef), some fruits also. We had bananas and they were allowed, but they had taken oranges from some other people. I think it is things that they grow themselves that they are more concerned about. Enjoy your trip.

[cymrudiamond]

heathfield, as an American (living in Cardiff) I can personally say that UK Cadbury's chocolates ROCK!!! I can't explain it, but there IS a difference between Cadbury's bought in the US, and Cadbury's bought in the UK..Woohoo!! and to you, dzug-Growing up in the Southwest tip of Arizona, I can tell you fresh fruit/veg/plants and such have been closely scrutinized for as long as I can remember when you leave/enter US. (I grew up in the 60's.) Something to do with bringing in unwanted insect/pests which could be harmful...I believe the UK is the same about stuff like that?

[dzug]

cynrudiamond - the reason that I said they were more paranoid than normal is this:

http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm/content1?ca tId=400033&mediaId=9300075

Agree that plant diseases have always been a worry - this is the new threat of bio-terrorism.

[ken c]

everyone is right about cadburys my sister takes lbs of the stuff back also Mars bars are not the same
but if in California you must try "Sees candys" they are the best chocolates please try them then forget about Roses

[chinois]

The chocolate thing's the same in south africa. Apparently they add something to stop it melting.