I'm looking to purchase a few cacao pods for a photo shoot. Please shoot me an email if you can help.donald@holykakow.com
updated by @donald-tyler: 06/29/23 16:49:02

I have read somewhere (forgive me I cannot remember) that it is illegal to bring cacao pods into the States (and probably many other countries). Something to do with the possibility of introducing foreign bugs or something into our ecosystem and all that. Anyway, the only way that I know of for some people who DO have cacao pods here is that they went to a plantation and collected the pods themselves. Then they either didn't claim them at the airport or weren't found out, and got them back here.I tried to get some cacao pods for my thesis project in college and I definitely couldn't get my hands on any without trouble. Though you could always ask around the community to see if someone out there can get some for you. Or, if you have amazing Photoshop skills, you can always purchase a shot of cacao pods and add it in to your shot.

It's not illegal to import pods into the US. There is a shop in the flower district of New York that advertises them and I know that exhibitors at The Chocolate Show in NY have purchased pods from them for use at the show. Caribbean Cuts . Click on the "Unique Flowers" link in the left-hand nav, then cocoa pods.The only challenge is how long they take to get and what it'll take to get from NY to Portland.:: Clay


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clay - http://www.thechocolatelife.com/clay/

I've purchased cocoa pods from the website www.motosogardens.com The order took a while to process, but the pods arrived in good shape, and were great props to demonstrate to customers.

Brad: The link is not correct or the site is no longer there. :: Clay


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clay - http://www.thechocolatelife.com/clay/

My apologies. I spelled it wrong. www.montosogardens.com (just bought some more pods from there myself).Brad

Thank you all for your input. I'll keep you posted on the results.

I'm so pleased to have found that website. I just ordered one and we'll see how it arrives. Perhaps the fact that it is coming from a US colony (Puerto Rico) influences the rules about importation. I read something from the USDA a few years ago that said I could only bring dry beans from Jamaica.

I just got two pods from Montoso Gardens that I will use for a seminar. Any idea how to preserve them? I'm considering anything from spray varnish to doing nothing - letting them dry out in a cool place. If anyone has ideas, please let me know.

I got two pods from Montoso Gardens a couple of months ago. I just let them set out on the counter to dry. They turned dark brown and now feel like they are made of plastic. I did not use any kind of varnish or anything. I plan to use them in a class that I'm teaching and am very happy with the way they turned out.

Hey everybody. I'm glad I was able to help. Just make sure there's some left for me! Brad.

I just contacted Caribbean Cuts and the gentleman on the phone told me that the USDA has prohibited the Cocao Pod being brought into the country. I realize the post is old, but I thought I'd mention it.

Also, I have contacted the Montoso Gardens and their website is saying that the fruit will be available in November or December.

Now, I'm wondering who is correct??? Any ideas?

Becky Flynn

Obsession Chocolates.

chocolategirl310@hotmail.com

It's illegal to bring any foreign, live plant material into the US. Unless you have an APHIS permit (permission from the USDA). No tickee, no washee. No permit, it's illegal. With permit, it's completely legal.

I recently returned from the Dominican Republic with 7 or so pods in my check-in luggage. You can bring avocados with no problem. I usually declare chocolate, honey and avocados. I have been told by a friend in the chocolate business that if you clean the part that was connected to the tree, you won't have any problems. I will be going back next week and see if I can get a few in my luggage.

If you are looking for dried pods, I have them in the US available on www.cocoapodshop.com . Right now we are out of stock, back in early November.

Your friend told you wrong. You happened to get through, is all. My guess is half of you have travel have gotten by with getting cuban cigars into the US as well - same thing, except cuban cigars don't pose a potential threat to the agricultural foundation of the country. If customs catches you, you're going to be in for a very, very bad day.

The ONLY legal way to bring viable foreign plant material in is via the USDA permitting system previously described.

Edit:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/permits/plantproducts.shtml

any individual can get a permit. it doesn't cost anything. You'll need a level 2-USDA account, which you can also get. Karen Brady at USDA is very helpful to walk you through the process, but she's very difficult to get in person. Her contact info is on the USDA website, and most permit applications themselves.

From CBP (Customs and Boarder Patrol - enforcement):

Bringing Agricultural Products Into the United States

(02/29/2012)

General Guidelines | General List of Approved Products | Information Resources for Travelers

If youve had food, plants or souvenirs taken away by an inspector at an international airport, border crossing, or seaport, we want to be sure you understand why.

Certain items brought into the United States from foreign countries are restricted according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations. Prohibited agricultural items can harbor foreign animal and plant pests and diseases that could seriously damage Americas crops, livestock, pets, and the environment and a large sector of our countrys economy.

All travelers entering the United States are required to DECLARE any meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, animals, and plant and animal products (including soup or soup products) they may be carrying. The declaration must cover all items carried in checked baggage, carry-on luggage, or in a vehicle.

Upon examination of plants, animal products, and associated items, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at the ports of entry will determine if these items meet the entry requirements of the United States.

Even though an item may be listed as permitted from a particular country, it is always best to DECLARE the item by checking Yes on Question 11 of the CBP Declaration Form 6059B. Also declare if you have been on a farm or in close proximity of livestock, as an agriculture specialist may need to check your shoes or luggage for traces of soil that could harbor foreign animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth.

Avoid Fines and Delays
Prohibited items that are not declared by passengers are confiscated and disposed of by CBP agriculture specialists. But thats not all. Civil penalties may be assessed for violations and may range up to $1,000 for a first-time offense. Depending on whether the confiscated, undeclared items are intentionally concealed, or determined to be for commercial use, civil penalties may be assessed as high as $50,000 for individuals. The same fines apply to prohibited agricultural products sent through the international mail.

Fruits, Vegetables, and Plants
Depending on the country of origin, some fruits, vegetables, and plants may be brought into the United States without advance permission, provided they are declared, inspected, and found free of pests. However, certain plants and ANY plant parts intended for growing (propagative) require a foreign phytosanitary certificate in advance. For information on certificates, contact the USDA/APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine Permit Unit at (301) 851-2046 or (877) 770-5990 . Also, check the Information Resources section at the end of this notice for details.