Everyone who arrives at a United States airport from another country must pass through a U.S. Customs and Border Protection checkpoint. That law applies to U.S. citizens who return home from a visit, as well as to foreign nationals. Knowing some of the most important customs regulations can help you prepare for the process and make it easier to navigate.
The CBP has authorization to interview anyone who lands at a U.S. airport on an international flight. Questions usually involve your citizenship, the nature of your trip and your possessions. A customs agent can examine your baggage and might pay particular attention to any electronic equipment you have. If you are unhappy with your treatment at the inspection point, you can ask to speak to a CBP supervisor.
Everyone who enters a U.S. airport from another country, whether returning home or visiting, must present a passport, Merchant Mariner Document or NEXUS Card. Anyone 16 years or older must present the proper documentation or risk being denied entry.
Most travelers receive exemptions from the import tax. For items that do not qualify for an exemption, the designated tax, or duty, typically is 3 percent. Of your items that are not exempt, the first $1,000 worth will be subject to a flat tax of 3 percent. Any further non-exempt items will be subject to a steeper item-by-item tax.
In most cases, a U.S. citizen can bring up to $800 worth of goods into the United States without having to pay the tax. You must have been away for at least 48 hours to qualify for this exemption. You also must not have used the exemption within the previous 30 days. Nonresidents can avoid a tax on goods with a total value of $100 or less, as long as their stay in the United States will be at least 72 hours and they have not used the $100 exemption within the past six months.
The tax exemption does not apply to all goods. Regardless of monetary value, stricter limits are slapped on cigarettes, cigars and alcohol. You are allowed no more than 1,000 cigarettes with a reasonable amount of tobacco, 100 cigars and one quart of wine, liquor or any other alcoholic beverage before having to pay a tax. If you are a non-resident you can bring in 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes or 4.4 pounds of tobacco, or combine the three quantities proportionately.
You will not owe a tax on any works of art even if these goods surpass the $800 limit. Mass-produced objects, such as items you can buy at a souvenir shop, will not qualify as works of art.
U.S. Customs prohibits you from bringing certain items into the country, regardless of the value. Such items include meat, plants, seeds, vegetables and fruits. The primary reason is to prevent diseases and bacteria from entering the country with these commodities. Some foods are permitted: Roasted coffee beans, dried teas, candy. baked goods, packaged fish, mushrooms and hard cheeses.
