Can I bring vacuum packed ham from Spain to usa

Question

Hi,

I bought some vacuum packed ham and chorizo in Madrid , which I was told it is fine to bring them back to USA by the vendor. Later I was told by a friend that I might not be able to bring them back to the states.

I went the USDA website, it states “ Travelers may bring back boneless meat in commercially packaged, labeled, and contained in unopened hermetically sealed containers or packages that are cooked by a commercial method after such packing to produce articles that are shelf-stable without refrigeration.”

I am confused that if it is ok to bring those hams and chorizo back home.

Thank you very much for your help and your time!

SmileJ

Answer

Bringing meat products, including ham and chorizo, into the United States is strictly regulated by the USDA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) because of concerns about animal diseases. Even if the products are vacuum-packed, commercially prepared, and labeled, there are specific rules that determine whether they can be imported.

According to USDA regulations, travelers may bring back certain processed, shelf-stable, commercially packaged meat products that have been cooked by a commercial method and do not require refrigeration. Examples include some types of cured, cooked, or canned meats. However, many traditional Spanish hams (such as Jamón Ibérico or Jamón Serrano) and cured chorizo may not qualify because they are dry-cured but not fully cooked, even if vacuum-sealed. Uncooked cured meats can carry pathogens that are prohibited for import.

Key considerations include:

Type of meat: Boneless, commercially packaged, shelf-stable meats cooked after packaging are generally allowed. Raw or semi-cured hams and chorizo may not be allowed.
Packaging: Must be commercially sealed and labeled. Homemade or repackaged meats are prohibited.
Certification: Certain countries’ meat products require USDA or APHIS certification. Spain generally does not allow uncooked cured meats to be imported by travelers.

It is important to declare all meat products to CBP upon arrival in the United States. Failure to declare them can result in fines or confiscation. Even if the vendor told you the product is “fine to bring,” the final decision is up to the CBP officer at the port of entry.

In practice, most travelers attempting to bring vacuum-packed, dry-cured Spanish ham or traditional chorizo into the U.S. are required to surrender the items at customs because they are not considered fully cooked or shelf-stable by USDA standards.

Summary: While some commercially cooked and shelf-stable meats are allowed, typical Spanish cured hams and chorizo from Spain are generally not permitted for entry into the U.S., even if vacuum-packed. To avoid losing your purchase, it is safest not to bring these products, or alternatively, check with CBP ahead of time to verify.

Can I bring vacuum packed ham from Spain to usa

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