(F. I. D. 60.) Minor Border Importations

Inquiry has frequently been made regarding the application of Regulation 33 (requiring a declaration to be attached to the invoice) to foods and drugs brought into the United States in small quantities by farmers living near the border. One correspondent says:

Farmers along the border are in the habit of occasionally bringing in, in their own teams, maple sugar in small quantities, also butter and like articles of food products of their own raising, and offering the same for entry at the different offices on the frontier.... The main question is as to whether or not the affidavits and other proof required by the pure-food law shall be required in these instances of minor importations of this class of articles.

Considering the nature of these importations it is held that Regulation 33 does not apply to them and that they may be imported without the declaration. Such products are subject to inspection, however, and if found to be in violation of the law will be excluded.

James Wilson,
Secretary of Agriculture.

Washington, D. C., March 25, 1907.