Don’t Crack Under the Pressure: Why You Shouldn’t Smuggle Eggs Across the Border
In recent months, Texas area Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have encountered over 90 individuals attempting to smuggle raw eggs from Mexico into the United States. With egg prices in the U.S. reaching record highs, it’s no wonder some people are tempted to try and bring in a dozen eggs for a fraction of the cost. However, U.S. officials are warning Americans not to take the egg-straordinary route across the border.
A Cheaper Alternative? Think Again
As egg prices in the U.S. continue to rise, the price of eggs in Mexico is a relative bargain. One Instagram user in Mexico City recently posted a video showing a dozen eggs costing 41 pesos, equivalent to just two U.S. dollars. However, U.S. officials are urging individuals not to take advantage of this price difference by attempting to smuggle eggs across the border.
The Risks of Egg-Smuggling
The importation of raw/fresh eggs into the United States is strictly prohibited due to concerns about diseases such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and virulent Newcastle disease (ND). Travelers are prohibited from bringing in fresh eggs, raw chicken, unprocessed avian products, and/or live birds into the United States. Failure to declare these items can result in potential fines and penalties.
A Growing Problem
The rate of egg-smuggling attempts has escalated in the past year. According to CBP, the number of eggs confiscated at U.S. ports of entry was 29% higher between October 2024 and February 2025 compared to the same period the previous year. This trend is causing concerns among U.S. officials, who are urging travelers to declare all agriculture products to CBP officers and agriculture specialists.
A Message from the Director of Field Operations
Donald R. Kusser, director of field operations at CBP’s Laredo Field Office, took to social media with a public plea, asking ports of entry crossers to lay off the eggs. "Travelers are prohibited from bringing fresh eggs, raw chicken, or live birds into the United States from Mexico," he said. "Failure to declare may lead to potential fines."
The Consequences of Egg-Smuggling
Texas Area CBP agriculture specialists have issued 16 civil penalties totaling almost $4,000 linked to the attempted smuggling of prohibited agriculture and food products, including raw eggs. These fines serve as a warning to individuals considering attempting to smuggle eggs across the border.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are eggs smuggled from Mexico into the United States?
A: While the price of eggs in Mexico is lower than in the U.S., smuggling eggs across the border is illegal and poses a risk to public health and safety.
Q: What are the consequences of attempting to smuggle eggs across the border?
A: Failure to declare eggs and other prohibited agriculture products can result in potential fines and penalties.
Q: Is it legal to bring eggs into the United States from Mexico?
A: No, the importation of raw/fresh eggs into the United States is strictly prohibited due to concerns about diseases such as HPAI and ND.
By choosing not to smuggle eggs across the border, you can avoid potential fines and penalties while also protecting public health and safety. Remember, it’s always best to follow the rules and declare all agriculture products to CBP officers and agriculture specialists.
