A cascarón is an empty, washed out eggshell filled with confetti used in celebrations and festivities.
Because the eggshells are a possible carrier of Newcastle disease that may infect poultry and other birds, it is illegal for individuals to bring large quantities of cascarones into the United States from Mexico. The limit is 12 cascarones per individual. The cascarones may be inspected for cleanliness by U.S. Customs and Border Protections. This ban is for individuals only; there are still companies that import cascarones.
Fines for trying to smuggle cascarones across the border can run as high as $1,000. Illegal commercial importation can result in a fine of more than $50,000.
Sources:
CBP Advises Traveling Public on Easter Egg Regulations | Release date: April 7, 2017 | U.S. Customs and Border Protection | cbp.gov
Palfrey, Dale Hoyt | Cascarones: Egging on Mexican fiestas | mexconnect.com
Newcastle Disease | United States Department of Agriculture | usda.gov
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