What can you bring through customs in the United States?

Its own customs territory

US customs lets arriving travellers bring in goods for personal use up to a personal exemption, but every traveller must declare what they carry, and food, plants and animal products are tightly controlled.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

Rules change, and customs officers enforce them. This page describes how the rules are built, not the amounts, which change often. For the exact allowance, limit or banned list that applies to you, use the official customs authority below, and when in doubt, declare. This is general information, not legal advice.

Personal allowance for goods

Visitors and returning residents have personal exemptions that differ with who the traveller is, how long they were abroad and where they went. Goods above the exemption are charged duty at set rates, and gifts have their own allowance.

Alcohol and tobacco

Adults may bring alcohol and tobacco within limits set by US customs, and the state where you arrive can have its own rules. The minimum age to import alcohol is 21.

Food, plants and animals

Everything you carry in the way of food, plants, seeds, soil, animals and animal products must be declared. Many fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and plant materials are banned or need a permit, because the rules protect American agriculture. Declare an item even if you are not sure.

Cash and valuables

Anyone carrying cash or monetary instruments above a set amount into or out of the country must report it on a customs form. Carrying more is not illegal, but failing to report it can lead to seizure.

Medicines and banned items

Prescription medicines should stay in their original container, with a prescription, and controlled substances need extra care. Dogs entering the country have to meet health and age rules, and other animals have their own. Counterfeit goods, ivory and many wildlife products are banned. Cannabis remains illegal to carry across the federal border even where a state has legalised it.

What to watch for

Answer the customs declaration truthfully: penalties for not declaring food or plant material can be large.
Rules for travellers differ by whether you are a visitor, a returning resident or a returning resident from certain regions; check the category that fits you.

Understand the legal system first

The United States belongs to the Common law family. Customs law is made by the state, so it is useful to know how the legal system works.

Read the United States legal-system profile in the Legal Families Atlas →

Official sources

TheLawToKnow Tools’s customs guide is an educational overview of general rules. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace the customs authority’s own information. Report a mistake.