How much worth of goods can I bring to USA?

Returning to the USA? Navigating Duty-Free Imports

Returning home to the USA after a trip abroad? You might be wondering about bringing back souvenirs and gifts. Generally, travelers can import up to $800 worth of goods duty-free, as long as they’re considered personal, accompanied baggage. However, there are important caveats to understand.

This $800 limit applies to most travelers, covering items like clothing, electronics, and personal items. The crucial factor is that these goods must be considered “accompanied baggage.” This means they’re physically with you during the journey, and you’re bringing them back into the country yourself.

Importantly, this $800 allowance doesn’t apply to every traveller. There are some exceptions, particularly concerning U.S. insular possessions. For example, travelers returning from certain U.S. territories or island possessions might have a different amount or completely different rules for bringing in items duty-free. If your destination was one of these, you should conduct separate research on specific guidelines for those areas.

Keep in mind that “goods” in this context can cover a wide range of items. You’ll need to consider what you’re bringing, and how it’s categorized. The intention is that these items are for personal use, not for resale. This is where it is prudent to utilize online resources to clarify if any of the items you are purchasing fall into certain categories such as “commercial items”.

In short, while you can generally bring back up to $800 worth of goods duty-free, meticulous attention to accompanying baggage and checking specific rules for your particular return journey from your destination is critical. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) directly or check their website for the latest information before your trip. Knowing the rules ahead of time can help avoid any surprises or delays at the border.