Traveling through customs is difficult enough. Why compound the effort to squeeze amassive rolling suitcase through asecurity belt with the lingering possibility of precious cargo getting banged up, tumbled open or, even worse, confiscated?
At times, you may feel like James Bond on atop-secret mission: to successfully transport the crown jewel of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil. Here are afew tips to ensure the safe arrival of that Liquid Gold.
While Traveling
Keep your receipts. This will help later when providing adetailed account of purchases for customs of all goods purchased abroad. Furthermore, proof of purchase from avendor will support your claim that your use of olive oil is for personal use only.
Before the Airport
Each country has its own rules upon re-entry, so it is helpful to review the customs website of your final destination before embarking on your journey home.
- United States: “Condiments, vinegars, oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee and tea are admissible.”
- United Kingdom: “You can bring any fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy or other animal products (eg fish, eggs and honey) into the UK if you’re traveling from acountry within the EU.”
Some countries in the EU designate admissible items upon entry based on EU classification. Review this list of countries within the EU to determine whether you are entering athird-party country or from within the EU.
On each customs website, there is alist of prohibited items, including things not to bring into aforeign country. As arule of thumb, the top items mentioned on these lists almost always include agriculture, wildlife, medical specimens, illegal narcotics and firearms.
Since olive oil is classified as acondiment derived from avegetable, it does not fall into any of these major inadmissible categories; therefore, it is asafe assumption that the transportation of olive oil for personal and private consumption is accepted in your country. Acursory look at seven customs websites found not one that mentioned forbidding the personal import of olive oil.
Carefully packing olive oil to secure the liquid is essential, as changes in altitude and temperature shifts may affect the condition of the bottle, tin or box. Some travelers suggest securing bottles with bubble wrap. Others highly suggest adding an additional protective layer by wrapping each bottle in aplastic bag to prevent clothing articles from haphazard spills during the flight. Protective plastic bags are offered at some Greek airports.
At the Airport
After declaring your item(s) with customs in the most detailed manner possible, secure them as carefully as possible. Forms should be available at your departure city and may even be found online.
Pack your olive oils in your checked bags, as security regulations in most places strictly limit the volume of liquid you can carry on.
On Arrival
After surviving the twists and turns of airport geography and passing through customs, you are ready to sashay away to your flight’s baggage claim carousel, where your prized EVOO treats await. As you head toward the exit in many airports (Boston, for example), customs officers might conduct another check of your luggage. Have your paperwork handy, and don’t fib about what you have in your luggage. Honesty is always the best policy, and customs officers are not known, understandably, for their sense of humor.
FAQs
Pack your olive oils in your checked bags, as security regulations in most places strictly limit the volume of liquid you can carry on.
Can you take olive oil through US customs? ›
Food Products (Raw and Prepared)
Many prepared foods are admissible. However, bush meat made from African wildlife and almost anything containing meat products, such as bouillon, soup mixes, etc., is not admissible. As a general rule, condiments, vinegars, oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee and tea are admissible.
How to bring olive oil on a plane? ›
Nonflammable oils include standards motor oils used in vehicles and food oils such as olive oil and corn oil are allowed in either carry on or checked baggage. Liquids in carry-on baggage are further limited to 100-ml (3.4 oz) containers at the TSA security checkpoint.
Can you bring olive oil back to the US from Greece? ›
Condiments such as oil, vinegar, mustard, catsup, pickles, syrup, honey, jelly, jam, etc., are generally admissible.
How to bring olive oil home from Italy? ›
Just make sure the bottle is well sealed before sticking it into your checked bag. The American TSA ban on liquid, no matter how silly, will still apply to bottles of olive oil in carry-on luggage.
How to carry oil while travelling? ›
Place your oil into a Nalgene or silicon bottle or jar. Much more robust than glass or plastic. Check out your local camping store for options. Place that Nalgene or silicon bottle or jar in a zip-lock bag.
Can we carry oil in international flight to USA? ›
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.
How do you store olive oil for travel? ›
Carefully packing olive oil to secure the liquid is essential, as changes in altitude and temperature shifts may affect the condition of the bottle, tin or box. Some travelers suggest securing bottles with bubble wrap.
How do you transport olive oil? ›
Plastic can. Plastic cans are inexpensive and great for transporting and storing large quantities of olive oil.
How do you pack oil in a suitcase? ›
Brought back a bottle of olive oil about 20 years ago and it did not end well. I suggest wrapping each one generously in bubble-wrap, then seal each in large, study zip-lock plastic bags. Finally, put them in separate carboard boxes, and wrap in dirty clothes that won't break your heart if they get soaked.
Meat, milk, egg, poultry, and their products, including products made with these materials are either prohibited or restricted from entering the United States.
How to avoid customs charges from USA to Greece? ›
There is no way to avoid customs duties, customs officers will check all items entering the country and charges will be applied where necessary. If you simply put 'gift' on the customs invoice, this does not mean it will not attract duty as they will still check the value of what is in the box.
Is it worth buying olive oil in Greece? ›
Greece is the world's third largest producer of olive oil, after Spain and Italy. It is also one of the few countries where most of the olive oil produced is authentic extra virgin. Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality of olive oil, made from the first pressing of olives without the use of heat or chemicals.
Do I have to declare olive oil at customs? ›
Canned and Packaged Goods
Many items in this category are on the approved list, including honey and olive and vegetable oils, as long as they're in vacuum-packed jars.
What is the best country to get olive oil from? ›
In terms of virgin olive oil exports, Spain is the largest producer and exporter of olive oil in the world, followed by Italy, Morocco, and Portugal. Greece, Tunisia, and Turkey are also significant olive oil-producing and exporting countries.
Can I bring olive into the US? ›
Importing any canned ripe olives, or bulk olives for processing into canned, into the United States is prohibited unless they are inspected and meet the specific minimum size and quality requirements in the regulations.
What foods are not allowed through US customs? ›
Meat, milk, egg, poultry, and their products, including products made with these materials are either prohibited or restricted from entering the United States.
What must be declared at US customs? ›
Travelers must provide their full name, date of birth, address, and passport details in the personal information section. In the declaration of goods section, they must list and describe all items they bring into the country, including personal belongings, gifts, and purchases abroad.
Can I take olives through airport security? ›
Anything liquid or semi-liquid can't be taken onboard. Things people get caught out by are often items they are bringing back from their destination… local honey, jam or olives.
