Ukrainian Decorated Eggs Prohibited Entry into U.S.

The Embassy has been informed that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Control (CBP) is enforcing a ban on the importation into the U.S. of whole painted egg shells originating in countries infected with Exotic Newcastle Disease and Avian Influenza. This includes the decorative Ukrainian Easter eggs known as "pysanky." Despite the egg shells being painted and coated with wax in most cases, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations still apply.

Airline passengers found to have such items will be given the option to 1) immediately export; 2) destroy under CBP supervision; or 3) authorize movement to an approved establishment. In most circumstances when found in passenger baggage, whole empty egg shells will be seized for destruction.

CBP enforces USDA regulations. For further information visit http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel.