gyllstromk

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I am moving to Belgium from the US in a few months and I've got a stockpile of American hops that I don't think are easily available over there. I'd like to bring them along but wonder if that counts as bringing alien crops over. Anyone know about this?

jspence1

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you can always call, I'd bet if they are pellet hops you'll be fine not much going to live in them

Brew-boy

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Leave them with a family member and mail them to yourself and see what happens.

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Edcculus

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You are moving to Belgium? Lucky SOB.

As far as I know, its 100% legal to carry hops through customs (whole or pellet). I remember them talking about it on either Brew Strong or the Jamil Show when Jamil was going to Australia for their first national homebrewers conference. One of the guys wanted Jamil to bring some hops not available in Australia. He said no since he thought it would be illegal. Out of curiosity, he called after he got back. Sure enough, they said there would be absolutely no problems with hops.

david_42

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There would be a problem with rhizomes, but not hops.

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jasonsbeer

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I think "processed" foods are not a problem for Customs. I would consider pellet hops "processed". Fresh foods are the problem because they can carry viruses and insects.

Beerrific

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I have heard of people bring them to and from the US, no problem. I think I remeber on a Jamil show he said he called Customs and USDA and they said it is fine (that is for into the US).

ChshreCat

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There was a member here (uhhh huh huh... I said member) who was going to the UK (if I remember right) and he checked into it. No problem at all taking hops there, so Belgium might be the same. Just have to call and ask.

My suggestion to you, as it was to him, was to take leaf hops packed in unmarked baggies. If you want to make sure nothing happens to them in baggage claim, you should tape them to your body under your clothing.

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gyllstromk

Recipes 

that's way better than my original idea of swallowing a few hop-filled condoms.

CodeRage

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Heh, that stirs images of the show locked up abroad.

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