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NEXUS loosens up rules for crossers

The Department of Homeland Security is loosening rules for the NEXUS lanes to allow commuters to shop on their way home.
“We’re doing it for consistency and uniformity from lane to lane and from location to location,” said U.S. Customs and Border Protection public information officer Mike Milne.

As of September 9, Milne said, the NEXUS “lunch rule,” which only allowed commuters a personal meal if they wanted to use the preclearance lanes, was no longer in effect. “You can bring in the same food through NEXUS as the regular lanes,” Milne said. “As long as you declare it.” That includes agricultural products and dutiable goods, Milne confirmed, but not prohibited goods or commercial goods. The new rules mimic Canadian NEXUS rules, where if it’s allowed in the regular lanes it can go through a NEXUS lane.

The onus is on the traveler to know what’s allowed and what isn’t, Milne said, “If you aren’t sure use the regular lanes or call ahead,” he said, as violation of rules can result in loss of NEXUS privileges.
The rule of thumb is that, with exceptions, if an agricultural product is clearly labeled as of U.S. or Canadian origin it’s allowed. The hitch is that the exceptions are legion, and they keep changing. The ban on all ruminant meat and any product that may contain it is in place until further notice, but pork and poultry are allowed in quantities under 50 pounds. All tropical fruit is prohibited, unless it’s clearly labeled as grown in the U.S., and stickers on an orange don’t necessarily count, though a sealed bag would, Milne said. Vegetables grown in the U.S. and Canada are allowed, except for potatoes from Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and parts of B.C., and the only corn on the cob allowed is B.C. corn. Nuts and seeds are allowed if they have been ground, shelled or roasted, but raw ones are only allowed if they are clearly of U.S. or Canadian origin. The only groceries that are allowed across the board are Canadian cheese and milk products.
While dogs and cats with vaccination certificates are allowed in the NEXUS lanes, other pets require inspection, and birds require special permits.

A list of agricultural rules is available at ports of entry and agricultural questions can be directed to 360/332-1831. Call 360/332-2380 for other NEXUS related questions.

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 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
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 with us or with CFIA 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.

Outdoor Articles & Recreational Vehicles
Please inspect and clean items that are used or stored out-of-doors, such as RVs, boats, firewood and outdoor furniture, before bringing them into the United States.

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, up to 50 pounds per importation.
Pet foods and pet treats, even dry or canned, are prohibited unless label shows U.S. origin.

Live birds require special permits to enter the United States.
Other live animals may need special documentation to cross the border. Contact veterinary service for details.
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.