Travelers flying from India to the United States should be cautious: the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strictly enforces regulations set by the USDA and CDC, which prohibit or restrict many common Indian items. Passing through customs, passengers often try to bring back souvenirs, food, or cultural products, unaware that these goods can pose biosecurity, health, and safety risks.

Popular items like fresh fruits, homemade snacks, spices, seeds, herbs, and traditional medicines may be confiscated or lead to penalties if not declared upon arrival. Even seemingly innocent items—such as snacks, herbal teas, or produce grown at home - can harbor pests, diseases, or unapproved ingredients that threaten U.S. agriculture or public health. The NDTV article highlights how failure to declare such items can result in fines or further inspections—a reminder that transparency and awareness are vital when traveling internationally.

To avoid unnecessary trouble, travelers are strongly encouraged to check airline or CBP guidance before packing and declare any questionable items. Customs officials prefer prevention - declaring potentially prohibited items upfront often leads to quicker processing and avoids serious consequences.