Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Bringing Chinese herbal medication to USA?

  • 04-07-2014 2:54pm
    #1
    Zipppy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,055 ✭✭✭


    I'm heading to USA via Dublin next week.
    I've been getting acupuncture and taking chinese herbal medication (herbs to make into tea) this last few weeks for a specific ailment I have...

    I was given a supply of three weeks chinese herbs today to bring with me to states......

    Will I get these through airport security?
    I paid a lot for them and I REALLY want to bring them and continue taking them as I fully believe they will help with my condition..

    Will I get them through security ?


Comments

  • #2
    spurious
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Education Moderators Posts: 27,315 CMod ✭✭✭✭spurious


    https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1217/kw/chinese%20medicine

    I would see can you check with them directly first rather than going on internet answers.


  • #3
    orionm_73
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 372 ✭✭orionm_73


    If they are dried herbs, airport security won't have a problem with them. However you will need to declare them to US Customs on the blue & white customs form. As you travelling via DUB you will do this in DUB Customs and Border protection preclearance facility. The CBP agent will decide what happens to the herbs. I would have as much information as possible to hand, like a full list of ingredients if possible.


  • #4
    ProudDUB
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,569 ✭✭✭✭ProudDUB


    You shouldn't have any problem getting them through security. US Customs and Immigration may be a different story. If you are pre clearing Customs & Immigration in Dublin, you have to fill out a declaration that you are not bringing any plant materials into the US. They don't do an actual check of your bags at the check point, but when you get to the other side of the pond, they have customs police with sniffer dogs who patrol the baggage and customs area. If the doggies smell your undecalred herbs in your luggage, you could be in hot water, no pun intended. So I'd declare them in Dublin, just to be on the safe side.


  • #5
    Raminahobbin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,983 ✭✭✭Raminahobbin


    I've never traveled in/out of America with dried herbs, but it's never been a problem for me through any other airport. Just declare at every opportunity and if you want to be EXTRA safe, make sure the herbs have something with them stating what they are- whether that's a letter from your practitioner or original packaging.


  • #6
    Zipppy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,055 ✭✭✭Zipppy


    They are actually in power format in sachets for making tea.....no idea of ingedients..

    Would letter from acupuncturist be any good? (if I can get one..)


  • Advertisement
  • #7
    ProudDUB
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,569 ✭✭✭✭ProudDUB


    It can't hurt, especially if he can give a detailed breakdown of their makeup. But it will all be down the the decision of the customs official on the day. If he/she thinks that they are constitute a banned item, you won't be allowed bring them in.


  • #8
    Raminahobbin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,983 ✭✭✭Raminahobbin


    Zipppy wrote: »
    They are actually in power format in sachets for making tea.....no idea of ingedients..

    Would letter from acupuncturist be any good? (if I can get one..)

    I'd imagine so.

    You probably won't even need the letter, but it can't hurt to have. If they are in sachets, do they have a box? If so, that should suffice.

    Don't panic about it though, it is extremely unlikely they'll make any sort of deal about it at all. It's just tea. It would be different if it was Australia where they're really strict about plant matter etc coming in.


  • #9
    Zipppy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,055 ✭✭✭Zipppy


    Raminahobbin wrote: »
    I'd imagine so.

    You probably won't even need the letter, but it can't hurt to have. If they are in sachets, do they have a box? If so, that should suffice.

    Don't panic about it though, it is extremely unlikely they'll make any sort of deal about it at all. It's just tea. It would be different if it was Australia where they're really strict about plant matter etc coming in.

    So best to bring them in my carry on luggage, declare them and hope for best ...

    Id be concerned if I had them in checked in luggage in case they thought I was trying to smggle stuff in...


  • #10
    Del2005
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,100 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    Zipppy wrote: »
    So best to bring them in my carry on luggage, declare them and hope for best ...

    Id be concerned if I had them in checked in luggage in case they thought I was trying to smggle stuff in...

    It's only smuggling if you don't declare.

    If you do declare make sure you know where they are if asked, they don't care if it's checked or carry on as the checkpoint is after you collect your luggage.


Advertisement