De minimis, a customs rule that allows for duty free shipment and minimal inspection if the overseas vendor claims the value is under $800, is a haven for contraband, whether it’s fake Nikes, childrens’ toys made of lead, or banned food products, Customs and Border Protect (CBP) admitted yet again.

“We’ve encountered shipments that have been declared as footwear and jackets, but found smuggled beef, pork, and poultry animal products instead,” said Andrew Renna, Assistant Port Director for Cargo Operations at JFK Airport. “The products are prohibited in the United States because of the risk of foreign animal disease. Should an animal disease outbreak occur in the United States, it could have a significant impact on the U.S. economy.”

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