US Customs Cracking Down on Mexican Cascarones at Border this Easter NBC News
go to original March 28, 2013

Eggs are cheap and so is the fun provided by mischievous little cascarones. This video shows you step by step how to make them. (mangofinancial)

If you're heading out to Mexico this Easter weekend, U.S. Customs and Border agents say they are cracking down on an Easter favorite - cascarones.

Travelers can now legally bring up to 10 of the confetti-filled eggs, but they must be clean and inspected. Agents say they're cracking down on the festive eggs, to help prevent the spread of "Exotic Newcastle Disease," a contagious and deadly disease that affects bird species.

Penalties can reach as high as $1,000 and up to more than $50,000 for commercial importations.

Agents also want to remind travelers to bring a passport or passport card and to allow extra time for travel, as Easter can be one of the busiest travel times at the border.

Boarder Travel Checklist

• Have all the required travel documents for the country you are visiting, as well as identification for re-entry to the United States. Passports are required for air travel. Visit travel.state.gov for country-specific information. travel.state.gov

• For citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, make sure that you have an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding. For those traveling by air or sea on a visa, CBP has automated the Form I-94 removing the need for travelers to fill out a paper copy. Travelers will still be able to obtain their I-94 number and/or a copy of their I-94 at CBP.gov/I94. CBP.gov/I94 (Please note: this website will not be live until after April 30, 2013)

• Have a completed Customs Declaration form (6059b) upon reaching CBP processing. Declare everything you are bringing from abroad, even if you bought it in a duty-free shop. Know that things bought abroad for personal use or as gifts may be eligible for duty exemptions. If you are bringing them back for resale, they are not.

• Know the difference between prohibited merchandise (which is forbidden by law to enter the U.S.) and restricted merchandise (items needing special permit to be allowed into the U.S.). For more information, please visit the Restricted/Prohibited section of the CBP website. Restricted/Prohibited

• Do not attempt to bring fruits, meats, dairy/poultry products and/or firewood into the United States without first checking whether they are permitted. For more information, please visit the Bringing Agricultural Products Into the United States section of the CBP website. Bringing Agricultural Products Into the United States

• Build additional time into trips due to increased wait times under sequestration and understand that CBP must conduct a thorough inspection of the nearly one million travelers entering the country each day in order to maintain the highest standards of security.

• Understand that CBP officers can inspect you and your personal belongings without a warrant. This may include your luggage, vehicle, and personal searches and is meant to enforce our laws as well as protect legitimate travelers.

• Monitor border wait times for various ports of entry. Travelers are encouraged to plan their trips during periods of lighter traffic or to use an alternate, less heavily traveled port of entry. For more information, travelers can find up to date wait time information on the CBP website. BWT

• If you are a frequent international traveler and haven’t already become a member of a trusted traveler program, sign up now. For more information, please visit the Trusted Traveler section of the CBP website. Trusted Traveler.

Familiarize yourself with the “Know Before You Go” brochure or section of CBP.gov. CBP.gov

For more traveling tips, CLICK HERE.

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