United States agriculture checks add 60 minutes for travelers at LAX

What LAX’s agriculture checks cover

Los Angeles International Airport is still running routine U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture inspections, not a broad biosecurity crackdown. Officers continue to seize prohibited plants, meats, animal products and other high-risk items, including a Feb. 2025 interception of live beetles hidden in snacks from Japan valued at $1,480.

Those checks mainly target cargo and incoming baggage. They protect U.S. agriculture and forests, but recent reporting doesn't show a new program or any widespread passenger chaos tied to biosecurity at LAX.

Who might feel the delay

International arrivals can still be sent to secondary agriculture screening if they declare food, plants or souvenirs that need inspection. That can add 30 to 60 minutes to customs processing for some travelers, including nomads, tourists and expats moving through the airport.

The bigger recent LAX disruptions came from elsewhere. March 2026 delays were tied to TSA staffing shortages during a government shutdown, not agriculture enforcement and officials said airport operations remained smooth despite those broader travel problems.

What travelers should check before flying

Passengers should declare all food, plants, meat and animal products on CBP Form 6059B. Prohibited items can be seized without a fee, though repeat violations can bring civil penalties.

CBP and the Agriculture Department’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service keep enforcing the rules at major ports like LAX and high-risk shipments can be held for days. For travelers, the practical takeaway is simple: check your bags before landing, then expect only routine screening unless you are carrying something flagged by inspectors.

Read our full United States guide for the complete picture.