U.S. Customs and Duty-Free Allowances: Everything You Need To Know

This video will give you all the information you need to know about filling out the U.S. Customs Declaration form and Duty-Free allowances. If you intend to purchase gifts or souvenirs during your travels this video will answer what you need to declare, how much you are allowed to bring back and which items are restricted or prohibited.
This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I receive a small commission.
📔 Show Notes and Resources📔
⚡Types of Exemptions 👉 www.cbp.gov/travel/internatio...
⚡U.S. Customs Duty Information Including Duty-Free and Reduced Rates and Shipping items back to the U.S. 👉www.cbp.gov/travel/internatio...
⚡Restricted and Prohibited Items 👉 www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizen...
⚡ Sample U.S. Customs Declaration Form: www.cbp.gov/document/forms/fo...
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About:
In this video Ben breaks down what you need to know about U.S. Customs and Duty-Free allowances. Learn which items you have to declare on the U.S. Customs Declaration form including duty-free items, how much you are allowed to bring back with you, and which items are either restricted or prohibited.
Timecodes:
0:00 Intro
0:32 Which Items do you need to declare on the U.S. Customs Declaration Form?
1:06 Purchasing Duty-Free Items including Exemptions
2:40 Prohibited and Restricted Items
3:08 Paying Duty at U.S. Customs
3:27 Shipping Items you have Bought Overseas
#benthoennesdreamvactions
Disclaimer: This video and description contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@gazelleasmr]

I’ve heard about these Duty Free Fairs and exhibitions in some countries, how does that work if we buy something from these companies?

[@hothotheat3000]

When in doubt, declare it!

[@ShazberryGaming]

Hi I am going to Japan in April and I wanted to know, would it be better to ship some things back or just pay the duty tax all together? I wanted to bring back a few things as gifts but I don't know what the rates are for merchandise from japan. I'm sure a shirt and a figurine would have differing rates no?

[@BenDreamVacations]

The gifts you are bringing back with you are duty-free up to $800. If you were to ship your gifts back to the US, you can send up to $100 free of duty and tax. You can check out this link from the US Customs website for more information 👉 help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-975?language=en_US

[@gleedime]

I purcahsed some handbags and shoes here in milan, italy. I’m going back to USA next week and I was wondering what amount should I declare the after or before vat refund? And how do i know if I’m going to pay the flat duty rate ( i believed its 3%) or not? Cause I am pretty sure I exceeded my spending allowance of ( there’s 4 of us travelling) $3,200. Thank you in advance.

[@BenDreamVacations]

If you are doing a joint declaration then you are entitled to a combined personal exception of $4,000 as a family. When declaring the value of an item for customs it should always be the cost at which you purchased the item and not the amount after the vat refund.

[@ganymedes62]

I'm going to visit a friend in the US this fall for 3 months. Now, I want to have some stuff there, basically dried mixes of herbs and spices, that I can buy at my local supermarket in Amsterdam to prepare food. Now, since I don't want any hassle at the airport with customs, would it be wise to send that stuff ahead in a package? It all has an expiration date that's well into 2023 and it's all factory packed.

[@BenDreamVacations]

Most dried spices are allowed except for orange, lemon, lime and other citrus leaves and seeds, lemongrass, and many vegetable and fruit seeds. But it you want complete peace of mind you can ship them ahead.

[@bobmemer9062]

quick question lets say i am going abroad for example US - Asia. Before I depart would I need to declare the watch I am wearing before I leave to customs? or is declaring only when you are returning to the us?

[@BenDreamVacations]

You only need to declare any items you bought outside the U.S. which you would do when you re-enter the U.S.

[@jmr1703]

The gift exemption of $100, is the allowance for just one person recieving or can I send others gifts not exceeding $100. How would the personal exemption of $200 shipped to self work?

[@BenDreamVacations]

The gift exemption can't exceed $100 per item you send. Anything over that amount you will have to pay duty on. Items that you send to yourself, the duty will be waived if the value is $200 or less. The exemption could be higher depending on which country you are coming from. If you are asking about how the process works for shipping an item back to the US then check out the U.S. Customs website for step by step instructions. Look for "Mailing and Shipping Goods" towards the bottom of the webpage 👉 www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/kbyg/customs-duty-info#:~:text=Up%20to%20%241%2C600%20in%20goods,a%20flat%20rate%20(3%25).

[@318sears8]

Hello, I have a few questions.. I'm trying too get goods from turkey to US, Dfw airport cargo, what information would I need to pass customs? The value will be under $2500 so if trying to get all paper work myself. Please help

[@BenDreamVacations]

It can get rather complicated so it may be best to hire a customs broker to help you with the process. But to answer your question, you will have to file within 15 days of the shipment arriving into the US port of entry an Entry Manifest (CBP Form 7533) or Application and Special Permit for Immediate delivery (CBP From 3461) or other form of merchandise release required by a port director. You will also need a commercial invoice , a packing list and there may be other documents necessary to determine admissibility into the US. It may be best to contact US custom directly to make sure you have all the required documents or like I said earlier contact a customs broker to help you with the process.

[@IsabelM15486]

I have a question regarding brining back Luxury brand watches ftom Switzerland. I am a Swiss Citizen ..soon Us Citizen living in US. Will go back to Switzerland and want to buy 4 luxury brand watches to bring back for hubby and me and some are gifts. How do I go about it? Thank you very much and Happy New Year! 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@BenDreamVacations]

When you bring the watches into the US, you will need to declare them on the customs form and will need to pay a duty tax on them. The price of the watches will determine how much duty tax you will need to pay. They will charge 3% on the first $1000 and then 6.5% on any amount above the first $1000.

[@mrsc97_23]

What about small souvenirs (magnets, shot glasses, stuffed animals) from the UK returning the US? I don’t have receipts for these items anymore…

[@BenDreamVacations]

You will have a personal duty tax exemption on anything you have bought in the UK up to $800. If you know the total estimated value of everything you bought that will work. If the value goes above $800 then it’s going to be best to have some receipts.

[@jay90660]

hello i travel by land to mexico (tijuana) i know liquor bottles there's a limit to 1 liter per person how can i bring 3 for personal use and pay dutys fees is this doable? is there a form? thanks alot

[@BenDreamVacations]

Going into Mexico you can take up to 3 liters of alcohol. Going back into the U.S. you are limited to 1 liter of alcohol. As far as I know there is no way to pay extra duty to be able to carry more alcohol.

[@harshshah2462]

I am a student in canada and i am traveling to the US to visit my friends. Can i carry gifts worth CAD 400? Or will i be charged customs?

[@BenDreamVacations]

You can bring gifts into the US duty free up to $100. Everything over that amount will be dutiable at a 3 percent rate.

[@nathaliecarrenometay1363]

Hello, do you know what happens if i go to US from France with more than 100 dollars on gifts ? ($120 more precisely, i'm going to visit my family, and I travel with my daughter, we are not US citizen) i dont know how much taxes i would have to pay 😕. Sorry my english is not very good

[@BenDreamVacations]

You are allowed up to $100 free of tax for gifts brought into the US as long as you are staying longer than 72 hours. The remaining $20 would be taxed most likely between 3 to 5 percent depending on what the gifts are. Your english is very good by the way.

[@samgraszer6890]

Hello! My wife and I are currently visiting Brazil. ( wife’s home country) she wants to bring back some of her old clothes and a PlayStation from when she was still living in Brazil. Do we have to declare those items even tho they were purchased by her, more than 6 years ago?

[@BenDreamVacations]

Yes, anything that you didn’t leave with you will need to declare. But since you are allowed a personal exemption amount of $800 per person typically you won’t have to pay any duty tax on those items.

[@jazedre3437]

Hello, I am mexican and my wife Japanese and we live in US under a TN visa (nonimmigrant status). My wife is coming back to US from visiting her family in Japan and she plans to bring some goodies. Is her limit up to 800 usd for duty free or not apply because she is not US citizen? Or maybe we can are considered visitors. Where do we fall? Thanks in advance

[@BenDreamVacations]

As long as you and your wife are residents in the US her limit will be $800. She will need to present something that has her name and US address on it like a driver's license.

[@lizbethdiehl318]

I had my engagement ring polished (Long story short) while overseas but was not able to pick it up before I had to catch my flight, they said they would ship it but now are asking for duty fees… Or an invoice as proof of ownership but I’ve been married for 23 years and I had that ring for almost 25 years… Any advice or suggestions?

[@BenDreamVacations]

Without proof of ownership it might be hard to get around not paying any duty fees. If you bought the ring from a jewelry store they might have a record of the purchase that you can get a copy of. Have you talked to the company that polished your ring if they will reimburse you for any duty fees? The other thing I would suggest is contacting US Customs directly 👉 www.cbp.gov/about/contact. Maybe they can help you find a solution without having to pay any duty fees.

[@Jdjsjkdkd]

Hello🖐🏻 i am as a visitors. If i bring personal items for myself like toiletries, detergent, t-shirt, trousers, shoes, slippers, and all about items for personal during i living in the USA for several month let say 7-8 month. The question is do i have to fill in all items for the list decription of articles and then eclose one by one all the value it?

[@BenDreamVacations]

If you are a visitor entering the U.S., you do not need to declare those items as long as you will be using them for personal use. If you plan to carry cash over $10,000 you will be required to declare that amount to the Customs officers.

[@ericcherveny5195]

So when i fly to Japan do I declare money if its over 10,000 US dollars or if its equivalent to 10,000 yen? (which of course is only like $70 US) kinda shaky about this and would appreciate your feedback. Thanks Ben, love your vids!

[@BenDreamVacations]

It's the equivalent of $10,000 US so if you are carrying Yen over that amount you would need to declare it. You will probably get asked a lot of questions about it too.

[@kylejames9466]

I am a US citizen living in Colombia and will be bringing handmade jewelry that my boyfriend and I make for gifts and to sell at a local event in my hometown. Since the items were not purchased how would I declare upon entering? Thank you!

[@BenDreamVacations]

Do you know the value of your jewelry? Has it been appraised? If it’s value is more than $2,500 you will need to go through a formal entry process which you will need to complete a Customs bond CBP form 301.

[@charlottelarisa]

What is the formal entry process??

[@Kababaeyan]

Hello - thank you for the info! I just bought a bag from Singapore and they are shipping here to U.S.; it's over $2000. Do you know what the process is once the item reaches the U.S. port/CBP? Do they just email me to fill out the form and pay tax, then they release it?

[@BenDreamVacations]

You should get notified when your bag arrives. When you go to pick it up you will have to pay the duty tax on it along with any service fess before it can be released to you.

[@Kababaeyan]

@@BenDreamVacations ahh ok thank you! I was worried I'd need like a customs broker and more paperwork than that, but this sounds easy enough!

[@raidergainzx5290]

​@BenDreamVacations is it best to just see what you want and buy it online?

[@SharkieOttark]

Do i have to declare a keychain my friend bought me?

[@BenDreamVacations]

Yes, you will have to declare anything that you acquired while outside the U.S. including gifts.

[@jaboubaa928]

Hello I’m traveling next month and thinking to buy a designer handbag from Paris airport how much would be the import taxes on something that cost about 5K ? Thanks

[@BenDreamVacations]

You can expect to pay just over 5 percent on duty and taxes so between $250 and $300.

[@nathaliecarrenometay1363]

Hi, can you tell me how much did you pay in taxes + ?

[@heatherbrown3035]

Hello, first of all, thank you for the valuable information. I’ve been trying to find these answers online and it’s been quite difficult. Like others, I’m traveling to Paris and plan to buy some luxury bags. I know I will exceed my $800 limit, so I’m wondering what the cost will be for duties when I return to the US. Planning to spend around $5500 US dollars. Thank you!

[@BenDreamVacations]

You can expect to pay about 5.3 percent in duty when you return to the US or just under $300.

[@heatherbrown3035]

@@BenDreamVacations thank you!!

[@anthonywolfe594]

I bought so much stuff and I’m not sure what to do. I don’t have any receipts or anything I didn’t know I was supposed to keep them

[@BenDreamVacations]

If you know about how much you paid for each item that will be good enough. You will be allowed to bring into the U.S. $800 worth of items that you bought while overseas without having to pay duty on them. Anything over that amount expect to pay 3 to 5 percent of the cost depending on the countries you bought them from.

[@trevorforreal2094]

I plan on purchasing a watch from Germany and bring it back with me. Its a personal item I wont be selling it and its worth about $1200 usd. I have to declare it im sure but how much will I have to pay for that item?

[@BenDreamVacations]

You have a personal exemption which should be either $800 or $1200, so it’s possible you won’t have to pay any duty tax on the watch. If you do have to pay a duty tax then it will only be for the amount over your personal exemption which should be a tax of $400 at most. Tax rate will be between 3-5 percent.

[@TheCilAceFamily]

Hello, can i bring dried flower to the us from Philippines?? Thank you for your answer!

[@BenDreamVacations]

You can bring dried flowers into the US but they will have to undergo inspection during customs. As long as they are free from any plant pests or anything else that may be harmful then they will be allowed into the US.

[@iwatcher69]

I bought cutlery stuff like knives. Do i have to declare them??

[@BenDreamVacations]

Yes, you will have to declare them. You do get a personal exception of usually $800 so anything of value under that amount you won't have to pay any duty taxes on.

[@efhayes]

For immigrant going to Us. What about collection of jewellery that you acquired over the year.? And does not hold some of the receipts. Thank you

[@BenDreamVacations]

Are you going to be selling the jewelry while in the US or is it just for personal use?

[@efhayes]

@@BenDreamVacations personal use. Thank you for the reply.

[@BenDreamVacations]

@@efhayesAs long as everything of value that you are bringing into the US such as jewelry, cash, etc. doesn't equal more than $10,000 then you won't have any issues. If it's more than that amount then you will be required to fill out an additional form named FinCEN form 105.

[@richardchamorro4053]

Hello, I purchased 200 t-shirts from Peru. The total costs is 685$. I think there is an agreement between Peru and USA. Can you please point me at the right directions. This t-shirts will be for my starting business. Thanks for the advice🙏

[@BenDreamVacations]

Was it an internet purchase? If so, this link will give you the details in what you need to know 👉 www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/internet-purchases

[@richardchamorro4053]

No, My father made the purchase for me, but I have to go to Lima to pick it up and bring it to the US. My concern is if I can bring the merchandise myself to the US. Thank you

[@BenDreamVacations]

@@richardchamorro4053 I don’t think there are any restrictions to carry merchandise into the U.S. I think you you will just have to pay the 3 percent flat tax on it. But it’s probably best to double check with US customs to verify.

[@richardchamorro4053]

Thank you for everything!!

[@BenDreamVacations]

@@richardchamorro4053 you’re welcome. Glad to help.

[@jaimeiiisabal4984]

how about laptops and external hard drive?

[@BenDreamVacations]

You will have to pay duty tax on any laptops or external hard drives that you purchased outside of the U.S.

[@jaimeiiisabal4984]

@@BenDreamVacations even i brought is December last year? which side i will put the items ? is it a the back of the form?

[@BenDreamVacations]

@@jaimeiiisabal4984 you will need to list the items on the back of the form and their value.

[@sandravaleria17]

Hello! I’m Mexican and have a trip to Europe next fall with a layover in the US. I’d like to but a luxury bag in europe that will obviously exeed the $800 tax free permit (to take advantage of the tax refund) but my question is, do I have to declare it at US customs even though I am not american and the US is not my final destination?

[@BenDreamVacations]

Hi Sandra, for a layover in the US you will have to go through border control. You will have to get your passport checked and fill out a customs form. On the customs form you only have to declare items that will remain in the U.S. Also, in case you didn't know you will have to collect and re-check your luggage, even though you are not staying in the country or even leaving the airport so make sure you give yourself a long enough connection time to accomplish all these things.

[@sandravaleria17]

@@BenDreamVacations this has been very helpful thanks!

[@greaterfoopodcast8861]

My girlfriend wants to bring back food , like dried fish and Thai fruits and vegetables. Will it be safer to ship it through mail like Fedex or ups or will it be ok to bring in your check in bag? Please help thanks. We live in California going to Thailand and Cambodia

[@BenDreamVacations]

Unfortunately, bringing fresh fruits and vegetables are going to be difficult to bring back into the U.S. Dried fish on the other hand will most likely be allowed. You can find more specific information at the following website 👉 www.dontpackapest.com/

[@3weight]

I’ve been driven crazy trying to find an answer to the most obvious question about duty, and no one has it! HOW MUCH IS IT? Everyone talks about the $800 duty free limit but no one say how much duty actually costs when you go beyond that! I want to buy a $300 tool in Canada because it’s going to save me $80 through the exchange rate. The exemption for less than 48 hours abroad is only $200, not $800. So I expect to have to pay duty on part of the cost of the tool. Is it 3%, as it is on excess alcohol? Alcohol so often has its own special tax rates that I don’t know if it’s safe to assume that. I figure it will probably be worth it, but it’s a bit of a trip so is still like to have SOME idea how much duty is, and it’s just so frustrating that no one, not the customs website, not this “everything you need to know” video, no one even mentions the rate? Whyyyyy? 😬

[@BenDreamVacations]

The duty rate is different depending on the country you purchased the item and the product itself. That's why it's difficult to find a straight forward answer. If you are planning to be in Canada for less than 48 hours then yes, your personal exemption would be $200 instead of the normal $800. You can expect to pay a 4 percent duty rate for the value of the product over $200.

[@St77999]

Hi, Can i bring 2 cartons of cigarettes to US? Thanks

[@BenDreamVacations]

You are allowed 1 carton of cigarettes into the US

[@GeorgeSerban1]

Please help out an ignorant European coming from the land of no little to no borders Questions for tourists coming into US for the first time from Europe - I don't understand the necessity for this form. It's customary for us when traveling to friends and family to bring gifts. Should I declare these on this form, every single thing? These are not high value items, maximum 20$ per item. I clearly don't understand why I need to declare them and why the US government feel it's entitled in any way for a cut on the price of these gifts?

[@BenDreamVacations]

Any gifts that you bring into the US has to be declared. Each person has a $100 gift exemption. So any amount over that limit will be taxed. You can either declare them on the form or orally to the customs agent but make sure you know the value of each gift. Every country has their own tax for bringing non-personal items into their country. It’s not just the US. I would have to pay tax on gifts I brought into Europe and the reason for the tax is to protect each country’s economy by controlling the flow of goods into and out of the country. I hope that explanation makes sense.

[@GeorgeSerban1]

@@BenDreamVacations thanks a lot for your explanation

[@jeanettevillanueva6010]

@@BenDreamVacations thank you for your explanation.

[@bonyos16]

Isn’t a website a person traveling can use just to avoid the hustle

[@BenDreamVacations]

US customs has their own website where you can get information but it can be very confusing.