For Canadian RV'ers crossing U.S. border

[MamaGoose]

We're hoping to head down to the U.S. in a couple of weeks or so with our motorhome, and this will be our first cross border trip in the motorhome. (Saw an almost white rabbit in our yard today, it's time to head south, lol!)

I am wondering what sort of groceries the customs officials allow across. I realize we can't cross with fresh produce and meat products, but what about canned goods, dry goods, and dairy? Also, do dry goods have to be in original packaging? (I have some items stored in smaller quantities in plastic storage containers--stuff like flour, sugar, and rice.)

[southwoods46]

Just crossed three days ago. Not asked about meat; asked what produce I had on board. As for produce I was asked to list: tomatoes in a casserole, peppers with no seeds, bag of baby carrots, bag of prepared cole slaw, local apples and bananas. All were acceptable. It probably depends on where and when you cross and the mood of the border guard. Ours was an easy crossing.

[Beverley_Ken]

Our crossings have become easier. After losing various meat, fresh fruit items, can vary day by day and agent by agent as to there interpretations.
We tell them the truth, NO fresh fruit, veggies, NO meat. Just clean out the fridge, milk, cheese, butter etc. We are going to stock up at the first Walmart we see. Have not even had the agents come on board in the last 6 or 7 crossings.

Beverley and Ken

[redguard]

MamaGoose wrote:
We're hoping to head down to the U.S. in a couple of weeks or so with our motorhome, and this will be our first cross border trip in the motorhome. (Saw an almost white rabbit in our yard today, it's time to head south, lol!)

I am wondering what sort of groceries the customs officials allow across. I realize we can't cross with fresh produce and meat products, but what about canned goods, dry goods, and dairy? Also, do dry goods have to be in original packaging? (I have some items stored in smaller quantities in plastic storage containers--stuff like flour, sugar, and rice.)

you can cross with beef,pork,fish and fowel(chicen/turkey) No veal or LAMB
Dairy is fine and dry goods is a total non issue.DO NOT take any produce at all as its totally prohibited,no plants at all,US only dog/cat food*(even though there wrong on that but why argue)

[darsben]

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1273/kw/Canada%20meat/sno/

[loulou57]

Our kids just took a trip to Florida with kids. They took the fifth wheel. They bought all fresh fruit, veggie and meats across the border. As far as dry goods and cans they just left things as they had been all summer. Some in original packaging and some like sugar and salt in plastic containers. They were not asked if their RV could be checked either way over border.

[Wrong_Lane]

The rules can change almost daily at times so the best source is to check with US Border Services on-line.

However -- most of the items are cheaper in the US so why bother with a possible hassle at the border? Just buy what you need when you get there!