Any items purchased and carried with you when you return to the United States must be declared. This includes items purchased in duty-free shops, on a cruise ship or on an airplane.
The duty-free exemption is a personal exemption applied to merchandise brought into the United States. The exemption is based on the total value of items. Generally, the exemption is $800. Beyond that amount, you will have to pay a duty.
You need to check the alcohol laws in the state in which you return to the United States. State laws govern the amount of alcohol you can bring back. However, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol prohibits absinthe from being imported into the country.
Fruits and vegetable generally are prohibited from being brought into the United States. This restriction is due to the potential for plant pests being introduced to the country.
There is no limit on the amount of clothing or textiles that can be brought back into the States as long as it is for personal use only.
The United States prohibits foreign medications being brought into the country. It is illegal and prosecutable for anyone to bring into the United States any controlled substance not issued or prescribed by a U.S. physician.
