🇺🇸 United States · FOOD ENTRY
Can I bring spam, ham & sausages into United States?
Distinguish retorted Spam from refrigerated ham and sausages.
Personal travel from overseas. Hawaii and other destinations may have additional conditions.
Last checked · Official sources
Before you pack
- Check the specific exception for commercially heated-after-sealing, shelf-stable meat
A can shape or brand name alone does not establish processing compliance.
Prepare the ingredient and origin label, then check the exact product with the authority.
Which products does this cover?
Retorted canned ham and vacuum-packed sausages use different processing methods.
You can find this guide using: processed meat · spam · sausage · ham · salami.
Check your actual package
- Retorted or vacuum packaging
- Pork, beef or poultry ingredients
- Manufacturing country and refrigeration
United States food declaration
Declare food and agricultural products to CBP. Keep the original packaging and origin information for inspection.
U.S. food declaration guidance ↗Common questions
Can I bring spam, ham & sausages into United States?
Distinguish retorted Spam from refrigerated ham and sausages. Check the specific exception for commercially heated-after-sealing, shelf-stable meat
Do I need to declare spam, ham & sausages?
△ Declare. Declare food and agricultural products to CBP. Keep the original packaging and origin information for inspection.
Does putting it in checked baggage change food-entry rules?
Food-entry checks still apply to baggage entering the country. Follow the conditions above; airline and airport-security baggage rules are a separate check.
What distinction matters for this food?
A can shape or brand name alone does not establish processing compliance.
Official rule & review date
USDA APHIS · U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Check official rules ↗USDA APHIS — Meats, Poultry and SeafoodLast checked: 2026.10.03
Entry rules can depend on ingredients, origin, processing and current biosecurity conditions. The destination authority makes the final decision.