Will I be stopped at customs if I bring the shell of a cicada through US customs?
So apparently people love cicada casings. In the US. I am in Japan, and have been asked to bring one back to the US.
Will I be picked up at customs or have to declare cicada casings (the empty shell of a non-live insect)?
Best Answer
Long story short I can't find specifics on the subject of bringing the insect shells or casings into the US through customs, however, all of this is subject to regulations by the State where you're going and APHIS.
The page from APHIS mentions email address where you can send the question and find out whether or not it would be legal to bring a cicada casing into the US from Japan: AskNIES.Products@aphis.usda.gov as well as a phone number: +1 (301) 851-3300 that will allow you to do the same.
So unless you get a positive answer from USDA that this is allowed I would assume that the Customs and Border Protection will err on the side of caution and have it destroyed. Whether or not you will get fined along with it may depend on whether you declare the item or not.
Pictures about "Will I be stopped at customs if I bring the shell of a cicada through US customs?"
Why is Your Parcel Delayed - and How to Avoid It
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Tim Samuel, Tim Samuel, Jill Wellington, Tim Douglas