Civil penalty rises to deter inadmissible agriculture items

Civil penalty rises to deter inadmissible agriculture items    Importers and travelers are now subject to a $300 penalty for failing to declare agricultural items at U.S. ports of entry and a $500 penalty for a second violation.
   The new rule, which went into effect Sunday, is designed to prevent the introduction of harmful plant and animal pest or disease. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is responsible for enforcing agricultural safety rules at the border.