United States Customs Rules 2026: Duty-Free Allowance, Banned Items & Cash Limit

Duty-free allowance in United States

Returning residents: US$800 of goods acquired abroad (once every 30 days, 48+ hours abroad), including up to 1 L alcohol, 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars. ✅ Official

Non-residents: up to US$100 of gifts duty-free (stay of 72+ hours), plus personal effects. 🟣 Reported

Flat 3% on the next US$1,000 above the exemption; normal tariff rates beyond that. No VAT. 🟣 Reported

Status

Gold jewellery	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Gold bars & coins	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Mobile phones	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Laptops & tablets	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Other electronics	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Watches	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Perfume & cosmetics	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Clothing & shoes	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Gifts & other goods	allowed	Gifts are included in your exemption. ✅ Official
Alcohol	allowed	1 L of alcohol (21+) duty-free within the exemption. More is dutiable; state laws may apply. ✅ Official
Cigarettes & tobacco	allowed	200 cigarettes and 100 cigars within the exemption. ✅ Official
E-cigarettes / vapes	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Cash & currency	declare	Report more than US$10,000 in cash or monetary instruments on FinCEN Form 105, entering or leaving. ✅ Official
Medicines	restricted	Personal-use medicines are usually allowed with a prescription. Controlled medicines (strong painkillers, sedatives, ADHD drugs) may need prior approval. ≈ Estimated
Packaged food & sweets	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Meat, milk & dairy	restricted	Declare all food. Most meat, fresh fruit and vegetables are not allowed. ✅ Official
Plants, seeds & fruit	restricted	Plants, seeds and fresh fruit usually need a phytosanitary certificate. Declare them. ≈ Estimated
Drones	allowed	No special restriction recorded. The normal duty-free allowance and duty apply. ≈ Estimated
Weapons & ammunition	restricted	Firearms, ammunition and many knives need an import permit or licence issued in advance. ≈ Estimated
Narcotics & drugs	prohibited	Illegal drugs are prohibited in practically every country. Penalties can include long prison sentences or worse. ≈ Estimated

🏝️

Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire or Oregon: Shopping here has no statewide sales tax. U.S. customs rules are federal and are the same in every state. ≈ Estimated
U.S. Virgin Islands / Guam / American Samoa: Returning U.S. residents get a US$1,600 exemption from these insular possessions (more alcohol too). ≈ Estimated

Declare or pay online

FinCEN Form 105 (cash over US$10,000): Report currency and monetary instruments over US$10,000. ≈ Estimated
CBP Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app: Submit your customs declaration from your phone on arrival (eligible travellers). ≈ Estimated

Leaving United States

Report more than US$10,000 in cash when leaving the U.S. ✅ Official

⚖️ If you don't declare

Unreported cash over US$10,000: it can all be seized, with civil penalties up to US$500,000 and possible criminal charges.
Undeclared goods: seizure and penalties; failing to declare food or agricultural items brings fines (from US$300 for a first offence).
Losing Global Entry/trusted traveller status is common after a violation.

🟣 Reported EntryBrief – US: undeclared cash seizure, civil penalties up to US$500,000

Frequently asked questions

How much can I bring duty-free from to United States?

Returning residents: US$800 of goods acquired abroad (once every 30 days, 48+ hours abroad), including up to 1 L alcohol, 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars.

How much cash can I carry to United States?

Report more than US$10,000 in cash or monetary instruments on FinCEN Form 105, entering or leaving.

Can I pay customs duty online before travelling to United States?

FinCEN Form 105 (cash over US$10,000): Report currency and monetary instruments over US$10,000.

Popular routes

Sources

✅ Official 19 CFR 148.33 – Returning resident exemption
🟣 Reported Summary of CBP rules (non-resident $100 gift exemption; 3% flat rate)
✅ Official CBP – Customs duty information

Last checked: 2026-11-09