Can food from Spain be brought into the U.S.? A couple in Highland Park lost $100 worth of ham when U S. Customs said no pork products could be brought into the States. (Michael Robinson Chavez/Los Angeles Times).
Elena Campbell Martinez and her husband brought back from Spain a pound of vacuum-sealed jamón ibérico for their trip back to Los Angeles.
She was familiar with the luscious ham, which has made legions swoon. And her husband, she said, “fell completely in love with jamón ibérico de bellota. ”.
“Jamón ibérico and jamón ibérico de bellota are both made from the same black-footed breed of pig and are cured in the same way, with time, salt, and some nitrates,” wrote Amy Scattergood, food editor for the Los Angeles Times. But the bellota pigs, finished on acorns, produce hams that are more marbleized. This allows the hams to age longer, yielding a rich, intense, complex flavor. ”.
Campbell Martinez said that her husband had planned a dinner party for when they got back, where they would serve tapas and Spanish wine with jamón as the main dish. ”.
It wasn’t to be. They declared the ham on customs forms and were sent to the Department of Agriculture line for review. There, “The agent told us that it is illegal to bring any pork products into the U. S. from any country. Advertisement.
“Pork should be commercially canned and labeled in unopened containers. Mexico doesn’t let you bring in pork or pork products, but you can bring in cooked pork in small amounts for a meal. ”.
But if you dig deeper, you’ll also find this information on the Spanish ham: Advertisement
“Parma, Iberian or Serrano hams — Call (301) 851-3300 or toll-free at (877) 770-5990. Only certain plants are certified exporters, and the hams must be accompanied by certificates and seals. ”.
Don’t bother to call that 877 number. It will redirect you to the 301 number, National Import Export Services in Riverdale, Md. Its phones are staffed 5 a. m. -1:30 p. m. Pacific time.
I called at 6:04 a. m. Tuesday and was on hold for the next one hour and nine minutes. When I got a human, she said, “We advise people not to bring in ham from Spain. She said, “It needs a health certificate from the Spanish government, and they won’t give it to anyone.” ” Advertisement.
All over the Internet, you can read about sneaking food into the United States. If you get caught, though, you could be fined up to $10,000.
Even though that ham tastes good, you should buy it here instead of there unless you want to get fined and in trouble with the law. You’ll pay top dollar, but it won’t be 10 grand a pound.
There are lots of great places to hike, bike, run, and do yoga and meditation. We’ll help you find them.
Spanish jamón is rightfully famous around the world for its deep, complex flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Naturally, those visiting Spain often want to bring some of this incredible ham back home with them. However, there are strict regulations regarding what pork products can be imported into the United States from Spain.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on whether or not you can bring ham from Spain back to the USA. We’ll cover the rules around different types of Spanish ham, how to legally import limited quantities, what to expect during customs, and tips for enjoying jamón stateside.
Overview of Spanish Ham Varieties
To understand what hams you can and cannot bring back, it helps to first know the major types of Spanish jamón:
-
Jamón ibérico – From native Iberian pigs this is the most prized type of Spanish ham. The pigs roam oak forests and eat acorns influencing the flavor. There are several sub-types based on the pig’s diet.
-
Jamón serrano – Made from white pigs, this is a widely available Spanish ham. It is dry-cured for at least 9 months, resulting in a salty, savory flavor.
-
Paleta ibérica – From Iberian pigs, this cut comes from the front shoulder. It has a more intense, nuanced flavor
-
Jamón de trevelez – Named after the village where it’s produced, this ham has a characteristic sweet, nutty taste.
Can You Bring Spanish Ham Back to the USA?
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the answer depends on the type of jamón
-
Cured hams like jamón ibérico and jamón serrano cannot be brought back.
-
Paleta ibérica can potentially be imported back through a special USDA application process. Approval is required.
-
Canned or shelf-stable pork products like lomo or chorizo can be brought back through customs.
-
Fresh pork, sausages, and most meats cannot be brought back.
So you have limited options, requiring advanced preparation and approval. With the right paperwork, small quantities of specialty paleta or other cured pork may be permitted.
Applying to Import Jamón Through the USDA
To go through proper channels for bringing back prohibited pork like paleta ibérica, you must submit an application to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Here are the steps:
-
Contact APHIS to start the application process for “Other Commodities” importation well in advance of your travel.
-
Provide details on the type and quantity of product you wish to import. There are restrictions.
-
Complete all paperwork and pay any fees required for the application.
-
If approved, you will receive certification allowing the ham into the USA. Have this documentation ready.
-
Be prepared for customs inspection and potential confiscation if issues arise.
Approval is not guaranteed and the application takes time, so apply early if you wish to properly import restricted jamón.
What to Expect When Going Through Customs
When returning to the USA with your personal supply of Spanish ham, here’s what to expect at customs:
-
Declare any ham or pork products you are bringing back on your customs form.
-
Have your USDA certification ready if importing paleta or other cured pork requiring approval.
-
Be ready to show customs officers your ham, paperwork, receipts and answer any questions.
-
Don’t be surprised if officers open packages to inspect the ham’s labeling, ingredients, and appearance.
-
Know that even with proper documentation, your ham can still be seized if anything seems amiss.
-
If confiscated, there is no recourse to get prohibited items back, so follow all rules diligently.
Tips for Traveling With Spanish Ham
If you’re able to bring back jamón, here are some tips for smooth travels:
-
Research import regulations thoroughly so you are fully aware of what’s allowed.
-
Obtain necessary USDA certification in advance if required.
-
Pack ham securely in carry-on luggage; checked bags pose risks of damage or loss.
-
Limit ham quantities to what could be reasonably consumed or given as gifts.
-
Keep the ham in its original sealed packaging to prevent contamination or spoilage.
-
Know that you accept the risk of confiscation and hefty fines if found violating import laws.
Enjoying Your Spanish Ham Stateside
Once you’ve successfully imported your vacuum-sealed jamón back to the USA, it’s time to properly store it and enjoy the authentic Spanish flavor:
-
Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below. Cured meats last 3-6 months refrigerated.
-
Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to open up.
-
Slice your ham very thin with a sharp ham knife for the best texture.
-
Enjoy jamón on its own or pair it with bread, cheese, olives, and wine or sherry.
-
Consider purchasing a jamonero stand if you brought back a whole leg. This will securely hold the ham for easy slicing.
-
Wrap any uneaten portions tightly in plastic wrap or dry cured ham bags, and store in the fridge.
With the right paperwork and some pre-planning, you can legally enjoy authentic Spanish jamón back in the comfort of your own home. Just be sure to follow all import regulations closely to avoid hefty penalties. ¡Buen provecho!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring back jamón ibérico or jamón serrano?
No, these cured Spanish hams are prohibited from being brought into the USA by travelers. Only commercially imported jamón ibérico or serrano is allowed.
What if my jamón gets confiscated at customs?
Unfortunately there is no way to appeal or retrieve your ham if customs decides to seize it upon entry to the USA. Follow all import regulations to avoid confiscation.
Is there a limit on how much jamón I can bring back?
There are no set weight limits, but you should only transport back what could reasonably be consumed or given as gifts. Commercial quantities would raise suspicion.
Can I vacuum pack my ham to bring it back?
Yes, vacuum sealing is recommended to protect the ham and prevent leaks or spoilage. Just make sure to declare it.
Do I need a USDA permit if it’s a small amount for personal use?
It depends on the type – cured hams almost always require USDA approval regardless of quantity. Check regulations.
Can I buy Spanish ham online once I’m back in the USA?
Many specialty food retailers in the USA sell imported Spanish jamón online. No need to personally bring it back.
Is it better to pack my ham in checked or carry on bags?
Carry-on is strongly recommended. Checked luggage poses risks of damage, contamination, theft or loss of your delicate ham.
What’s the best way to slice and serve my jamón once home?
Use a sharp ham slicer to cut very thin slices. Let rest at room temp before serving. Enjoy as tapas or pair it with bread, cheese and wine.
