When entering the United States, you must declare all items you acquired abroad and are bringing into the country. This includes purchases, gifts, commercial merchandise, currency, and certain regulated items, even if they are eligible for duty-free entry.
What Items Must Be Declared?
Understanding what to declare is crucial for a smooth customs process and to avoid penalties. Here's a breakdown of items that always require declaration:
- Items Acquired Abroad: This encompasses anything you bought, inherited, received as a gift, or obtained while outside the U.S.
- Personal Effects: While items like clothing, jewelry, photography equipment, portable radios, and vehicles are considered personal effects, they cannot be brought in duty-free as household effects. However, duty is usually waived on personal effects that are more than one year of age. Despite potential duty waivers, these items still need to be declared, especially if new or of significant value, as they contribute to your total declared value.
- Commercial Merchandise: Any goods intended for sale or for commercial use.
- Articles Carried for Others: Even if the items don't belong to you, if you are transporting them for someone else, they must be declared.
- Currency or Monetary Instruments: If you are bringing into or taking out of the U.S. a total of $10,000 or more in U.S. or foreign currency, traveler's checks, money orders, or other monetary instruments, it must be declared. This is not about paying duty but for financial regulation purposes.
- Restricted or Prohibited Items: Certain items are restricted (require permits or special conditions) or entirely prohibited. These include, but are not limited to:
- Food Products: Meats, dairy, fresh fruits, vegetables, and certain packaged foods.
- Plants and Plant Products: Seeds, cut flowers, and other plant materials.
- Animals and Animal Products: Live animals, birds, insects, and items made from animal parts (e.g., ivory, certain furs).
- Medications: Prescription drugs (must be for personal use, in original packaging, with a doctor's note). Controlled substances are generally prohibited.
- Firearms, Ammunition, and Explosives: Highly regulated and often require specific permits.
- Cultural Artifacts: Items of cultural patrimony or archaeological significance.
- Hazardous Materials: Chemicals, certain batteries, or other dangerous goods.
- Counterfeit Articles: Pirated goods and counterfeit merchandise.
Why Declare All Items?
Declaring items ensures compliance with U.S. laws and allows Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to determine if any duties or taxes are owed, or if the items are prohibited. Failing to declare can lead to significant penalties, including fines, seizure of goods, and even arrest.
Declaration Process
When you enter the U.S., you will typically complete a Customs Declaration Form (CBP Form 6059B) or declare verbally to a CBP officer. You will be asked about the total value of all items you are bringing in that were acquired abroad, even if you believe they are duty-free.
Key Considerations for Travelers
- Duty-Free Allowances: U.S. residents are generally allowed a personal exemption of $800 worth of goods acquired abroad, duty-free. This allowance can vary based on the country visited. Items exceeding this amount may be subject to duty.
- Family Declaration: Members of a family residing in the same household and traveling together can usually group their personal exemptions. For example, a family of four could declare up to $3,200 collectively ($800 x 4) within their duty-free allowance.
- Record Keeping: Keep receipts for all purchases made abroad. This helps in accurately declaring items and substantiating their value.
- "Nothing to Declare" Line: If you have absolutely nothing to declare (no foreign-acquired items, no commercial goods, no currency over $10,000, and no restricted items), you can often use the "nothing to declare" line. However, if in doubt, always declare.
It's always best to err on the side of caution and declare any item you are unsure about. A simple declaration can prevent potential legal issues and ensure a smooth re-entry into the U.S.
