What you can (and can’t) take across the U.S. NEXUS

All plants, plant products, animals, meats and animal products must be declared at time of entry into the United States regardless of whether they are allowed or not. Failure to declare could result in a monetary penalty.

Fresh Fruit
U.S. fruits may be returned if they are in season and clearly marked with U.S. brand labels. (For example, Washington apples with stickers.) Citrus fruits are imported into Canada from all over the world and may carry pests which would be harmful to U.S. agriculture. Because of this risk, a sticker/label is not adequate proof of origin for citrus fruit.
Fruit grown in Canada or the United States is allowed. Other fruit is restricted or prohibited. Canada enjoys fruit imported from every corner of the globe. If there is any doubt about origin, fruit will be prohibited.
All tropical fruits are prohibited. Citrus, mangoes, rambutans, plantains, lychee, longans, etc., are examples of fruits not grown in Canada. Labeled bananas from South or Central America are allowed.
Fruits which are obviously out of season when they are presented (for example, grapes or peaches in the spring) are probably not grown in Canada or the United States and will be prohibited.

Fresh Vegetables
Vegetables grown in Canada or the United States are allowed. Other vegetables are restricted or prohibited. If there is doubt about origin, vegetables will be prohibited. Potatoes from Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, or Central Saanich or Vancouver Island are prohibited, unless peeled. Potatoes from all other areas are allowed in intact labeled bags or if peeled. Corn on the cob grown in British Columbia is allowed; from other provinces special certification is required. All commercially packaged hard-frozen vegetables are allowed.

Seeds & Nuts
Nuts, seeds and spices for cooking or eating that have been roasted, shelled or ground are allowed. Canadian grown raw nuts and seeds for consumption are allowed. Others are restricted or prohibited.

Seeds for Planting
A phytosanitary certificate or seed analysis is required. Seeds requiring special certification establishing freedom from diseases include, but are not limited to: hibiscus, sweet pea, rough pea, kenaf, broad bean, okra, lentil, corn, wheat, peanut, millet, vetch and rice. Some seeds are prohibited from all countries, including Canada, such as berberis, mahonia, mahoberberis, bamboo, cotton, citrus, and noxious weed seeds.

Plants
A phytosanitary certificate is required for all plants and will assure that your plants meet any special requirements or prohibitions. There is no longer an allowance for houseplants or for bedding plants. All plants in soil from the Central Saanich region on Vancouver Island and from Newfoundland are prohibited. Citrus plants, palms and bamboo plants are prohibited.

Many outdoor plants are prohibited or subject to special restrictions and permits, especially fruit-bearing plants. Please check before you purchase these items.

Cut Flowers & Greenery
Branches from fruit trees and some other plants such as berberis, mahonia, mahoberberis, prunus, malus, chaenomeles, pyrus, cyclonia, rubus, vitis, and “lucky bamboo” are prohibited. Call for complete information.

Cut flowers from countries other than Canada and the United States must be inspected and may be prohibited. Fresh cut Christmas trees from British Columbia or Alberta are allowed into Washington state with a declaration of origin. Christmas decorations made from Canadian conifer branches under 1/2 inch largest diameter are allowed without restriction.

Other Items
All ruminant (beef, lamb, goat, etc.) materials, including fresh, frozen, raw, cooked, soups, bouillon, canned, sausage, fried and home-made sauces containing meat, etc. are prohibited until further notice.
Pork and poultry of Canadian origin are allowed, under 50 pounds per importation.
Pet foods and pet treats, even dry or canned, are prohibited unless label shows U.S. origin.
Dogs and cats must be healthy and dogs also require current rabies certificates.
Canadian cheese and milk are allowed.

These requirements are subject to change. Please make periodic checks to insure you have the current version.